ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is organizing a one day forum on the future of agricultural freight in the state. The goal is to discuss strategies among rail providers and agricultural producers for successfully moving product in the coming years. Agricultural producers have faced challenges securing space on rail, while providers are also feeling mounting pressure to transport more products on their rail lines.
Envisioning the Future of Agricultural Freight in
Minnesota is supported by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota
Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council,
Minnesota Grain and Feed Association and the Midwest Shippers Association. The
forum features experts from railroad companies, agricultural commodity groups
and government agencies, including MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson.
“I hope this forum can spur solutions to our busy freight
lines and we can learn from past delays and difficulties to move our
agricultural products on rail in the fastest, safest and most cost effective
way for farmers and rail providers,” said Frederickson.
The forum is free to attend Thursday, July 10 from 10
a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Pre-registration is required by Monday, July 7 by emailing christina.connelly@state.mn.us.
The day will feature two expert panels moderated by Don Wick of the Red River
Farm Network and Perry Aasness of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council.
For more information on the event or to register, please
visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/international.
