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Minnesota Turkey Growers Association led fight to help industry stung by COVID
BUFFALO, Minn. – While the turkey industry was hit by COVID, the Minnesota TurkeyGrowers Association (MTGA) went to bat for turkey producers resulting in the creation of the Turkey Market Loss Cost-Share Program by the MinnesotaDepartment of Agriculture and Governor Tim Walz.
Farmers should receive assistance before the end of the year. Minnesota Department ofAgriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and his staff worked on an aid package awarding three cents per pound of turkey lost. The average payment will be $26,231. Though that amount doesn’t come close to covering losses, it’s a step in the right direction.
“COVID has been a punch in the gut for many farmers,” said Paul Kvistad, MTGA President and farmer from Wood Lake. “This aid will help bridge the gap while we wait for the vaccine to have an impact in mitigating COVID.”
The Turkey Loss Cost-Share Program provides financial assistance to turkey processors, contract growers and independent growers who experienced a loss in live weight pounds from March through September of 2020 compared to March through September of 2018 due to COVID complications.
“We are grateful to Governor Walz and Commissioner Petersen for understanding the importance of our industry to Minnesota’s economy,” said Sarah Anderson, MTGA Executive Director. “Our farmers contribute over a $1 billion in economic activity for the state and put food on the tables in Minnesota and around the world.”
Funding for the cost-share program was made possible by the federal CARES Act provided to Minnesota by the President and Congress. The purpose of the funding is to provide relief from those negatively impacted by the pandemic.
The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) is a trade group representing over 450 turkey farmers across the state. Many of our farmers come from multi-generational family farms. Our organization also represents turkey processors and industry stakeholders. Together, we advocate for the interests of the Minnesota turkey farmer and industry as a whole.
To learn more about MTGA visit https://minnesotaturkey.com/. Find us on Facebook (@MinnesotaTurkey), Twitter (@MinnesotaTurkey), Instagram (MinnesotaTurkey) and YouTube (MinnesotaTurkey).
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