LAKE CITY, Minn. — Legislators and Red Wing city officials gathered last week at a farm in Lake City to learn about sustainable farming and nutrient pollution.
The farm tour was organized by the Mississippi River Legislative Caucus (MRLC), along with state legislators Rep. Barb Haley and Sen. Mike Goggin and Red Wing Mayor Sean Dowse. Wisconsin state Sen. Jeff Smith, Minnesota Sen. David Senjem, and Minnesota Reps. Zack Stephenson, Anne Claflin and Rick Hansen also attended.
MRLC views nutrient pollution as one of the leading issues facing the health of the Mississippi River. The outing was meant to allow farmers, legislators and city officials to have a space to learn and discuss means for improved collaboration.
The group toured the operations at Lake City Catholic Worker Farm, a locally based farm using restorative agricultural practices and diversifying their crops.
"Sustainable farming practices improve soil and water quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide new economic opportunities," said Hansen. "I appreciated the chance to see some of these innovative methods."
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Mayor Dowse added that the "coordination opens up many opportunities to continue tackling nutrient pollution through multiple levels of government."
