The statement by the Department of Agriculture that it is “the primary regulatory agency in the State of Minnesota and needs to ensure the integrity of the food supply” isn’t the question. The question is, “are they overstepping the need?”
As the distance between producer and consumer grew, such a department was necessary. In this case, where the consumer must go to the producer to buy, and can judge the conditions, it becomes just another case of the government trying to save us from ourselves.
The Department can continue to bring questions to court until they win by deeper pockets but we can do something that might help. If you cared enough to attend court, or you just really care, then we should be writing our Minnesota legislators. Not just our local but statewide members, as the result of this case could affect farmers statewide.
It will be more trouble if you send paper letters to the governor, senator and local representatives, but it will carry more weight.
Consider what happens if they win. What is next – community pot luck suppers, farmer’s markets or bake sales? Or, ridiculous as it sounds, home kitchens?
Nelda J. Westerlind
Grand Marais
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