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Farmer supports fertilizer fee for research needs Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Agri News staff writer
Dan Benson supports a new 40-cent-per-ton fertilizer fee for research because, he says, research funding has been inadequate for several years.
Benson, who raises corn, soybeans and sugar beets and also has a cow-calf herd in Chippewa County, served on the Ag Nutrient Task Force. He represented Minnesota Farmers Union.
He says research hasn't kept up with the changes in hybrids and weed control. He wants the research to determine how he can use less fertilizer and maximize the potential of the new hybrids on the market.
Compared to the cost of fertilizer, the proposed fee is minor, Benson said. Many farmers will spend $50 to $100 per acre for fertilizer. The additional fee won't be a particular problem, he said.
He also wants to take care of the environment, keeping fertilizer in his field where it can be used by the crops instead of running off into lakes, streams or rivers.
Likewise, Bill Bond, executive director of the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, said the MCPR board, which is generally conservative when it comes to additional fertilizer fees, supports the proposed 40-cent research fee.
The board has indicated that there isn't enough appropriate research that is practical for their use when they as retailers and certified crop advisers advise producers, he said.
Producers get the majority of their information on fertilizer use from retailers, sales representatives and crop advisers, Bond said, and they want to give them good scientifically viable data. Sometimes data is lacking, particularly as it relates to modern cropping systems in Minnesota.
Research has been going on, Bond said, but it hasn't necessarily been filling the needs that exist when it comes to advising farmers. This funding will be different. Research projects will be chosen by the Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, a diverse group that will include corn, soybean, sugar beet, wheat and potato growers, crop production retailers, Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, Minnesota Grain and Feed Association, Minnesota Irrigator's Association and a crop consultant.
A number of organizations represented already have research programs, Bond said, and by bringing them together they have an opportunity to blend the research they have already done and fill in cracks.
Bond, who represented MCPR on the task force, said the money raised from the fee will also allow the agricultural community to be proactive when it comes to impaired waters issues.
Bond said it's responsible for the agricultural community to come together and address research needs voluntarily.
"We understand that it is going to be an inconvenience and cost a little money," he said. "It's important that it has the support of the folks that are paying (it)." Benson agreed, saying it's important that the 40-cent fee be refundable.
If farmers decide the money is being used improperly, they can ask for a refund. If a large number of farmers request a refund, it will send a message to the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council that something needs to change.
Refund requests can be made from Jan. 1 until Feb. 28 in language now moving through the House and Senate.
The information learned through research funded by the fee will be shared publicly. It will go back to all organizations involved.
Benson said the research results would likely be discussed at Farmers Union's annual meeting and by leadership when they have gatherings. |
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