Minn. Ag Water Quality Certification committee members announced

ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced the membership of the advisory committee that will help develop the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. The new program is the result of an agreement between Gov. Mark Dayton and federal officials, with the goal of enhancing Minnesota's water quality by accelerating adoption of on-farm water quality practices.

The committee will provide recommendations to Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson regarding the development of the program, as well as its specific features.

The committee includes these area representatives: Douglas Albin, farmer and chairman of Yellow Medicine County Corn Growers; Nathan Collins, president of the Swift County Farm Bureau and Murdock City Council member; Dennis Fuchs, district administrator of the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District; Kirby Hettver, farmer and member of Chippewa County Corn and Soybean Growers; and Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union president.