Farmers Union members gather Nov. 19-21 for annual state convention
Nov. 18, 2021
ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members from across the state will gather in-person Nov. 19-21 for the 80th annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention. The convention will be held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, 1330 Industrial Blvd. N.E., Minneapolis.
The event begins Friday afternoon with three panel discussions featuring timely topics: food safety, carbon markets and opportunities for action on anti-trust. Policy discussion takes place Saturday and Sunday, with members debating the language that will guide the organization’s policy for the coming year. Several lawmakers are expected to stop in and offer remarks.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew is the keynote speaker at the Saturday evening banquet. Larew was elected NFU’s 15th president in 2020. Prior to joining NFU, he was a Congressional and USDA staff member for more than 22 years. He was raised on a dairy farm in Greenville, W.Va.
On Sunday, the results of the president and vice president elections will be announced. MFU President Gary Wertish is running for re-election and Anne Schwagerl is running for vice president. Both candidates are unopposed. Delegates will also be elected to attend the National Farmers Union Convention, planned for Feb. 27-March 1 in Denver.
“I am excited to gather in person for our 80th annual convention,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “I look forward to talking with members, listening to the policy debate and setting our course for 2022. The pandemic and drought have impacted our members in many ways and it’s good to come together to recharge.”
There is no charge to attend the convention, but meals are ticketed events. A tentative convention agenda can be found on the Minnesota Farmers Union website.
About Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org)