On Wednesday, March 12, Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) introduced Senate File 305 in the Senate’s Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee. This legislation aims to appropriate funds to bolster Minnesota’s meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing facilities.​

“Our state’s agricultural sector is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy,” said Sen. Lang. “By investing in our processing facilities, we not only support our local farmers and producers but also ensure that Minnesotans have access to high-quality, locally produced food products.”​

S.F. 305 seeks to address current challenges faced by these processing facilities, including outdated infrastructure and the need for modernization to meet both state and federal standards. The proposed funding will be directed towards facility upgrades, technological advancements, and workforce development initiatives.​

“Enhancing our processing capabilities is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of Minnesota’s agricultural products in both national and international markets,” Sen. Lang said. “This bill represents a commitment to our rural communities and the agricultural professionals who drive our state’s prosperity.”​

The bill has received support from various stakeholders, including Paul Sobocinski of the Minnesota Farmers Union, who testified in favor of the legislation. Sobocinski, a livestock farmer, emphasized that local processing strengthens connections between farmers and consumers while keeping more dollars in the local economy. He noted that the bill would help processors modernize their facilities, enhancing humane handling, improving labor efficiency, and optimizing package handling—all of which would expand sales opportunities and open new market channels.