The Daily News

The board of directors from Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative met with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minnesota, Sunday, at the Breckenridge Community and Senior Center to discuss the 2007 farm bill.

Klobuchar set out recently to visit seven counties in western Minnesota to discuss issues and receive input. The importing and exporting of sugar was on the front burner as concerns were expressed.

"It's starting to look like this thing with Mexico might be a one-way street and it's really giving us heartburn," said Mike Hasbargen, chairman of the board with Minn-Dak. "We assumed it would be two-way but it's not looking that way."

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Hasbargen is concerned an unfair advantage will go to Mexico on sugar trade when all is said and done.

With Hasbargen’s concerns sparking further discussion, Klobuchar heard and responded to thoughts and concerns of the Minn-Dak representatives as well as other public figures and citizens. Quality assurance of product and a level playing field were hot-button topics.

"I believe it's a matter of national security," said Ed Papa, Local 167G, and factory employee of Minn-Dak. "We have standards that other countries do not have," he said.

Papa, originally from Chicago, shared his unique insight. "When you ask someone in the metro area where food comes from they'll tell from the mart on the corner," he said. "There is a huge disconnect."

RaeAnn Roche, Fergus Falls, Minn., said she too has concerns about the unequal standard which exists between the United States and some countries who are importing products. She said the recent pet food scandal caused

animals to die serves as a good example. "Is it going to take people to

start dying?" she asked.

Roche said purchasing sugar from other countries doesn't make sense. "I

don't understand why they want sugar from other countries when we can grow

it here," she said.

Klobuchar recognized problems could arise with Mexico following the rules

when it comes to sugar trade. "Mexico could get sugar from Guatemala and

circumvent the rules that way," she said.

Klobuchar said we need to set limits on imports from Mexico.

Although import and export dominated farm bill discussion, Papa told

Klobuchar he would like to see the face of labor put on the farm bill.

"There are workers involved," he said.

Papa said workers need to be included and recognized for the very important

role they play.

Mayor Clifford Barth agreed.

"Minn-Dak is a huge part of our community," Barth said. "They employee

people."

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