The League of Women Voters has questions. Vern has answers.
The League of Women Voters sent the same questions to every candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner. Vern answered them — straight, no spin. Read his full responses below.
What are your top priorities?
We are in the worst farm crisis in 40 years and the hardworking people of North Dakota are not being listened to. I will lead with transparency and hold regular town halls. On the Industrial Commission, I will make sure out-of-state corporations don’t take advantage of our state and resources. I will fight for a permanent Farm Bill, study value-added co-op opportunities, support a fertilizer co-op, bolster the farm mediation service, expand export markets, and promote healthy local food.
Is there anything the federal government can do to better support ND farmers and ranchers?
Pass a permanent Farm Bill. The bill should include adequate funding for crop insurance, conservation, nutrition assistance, and agricultural research. It must address high input costs, support a fair competitive market, and strengthen the farm safety net. Year-round E15 creates another corn market and saves drivers at the pump, so it should be included in the Farm Bill as well.
What is your position on the current administration’s approach to tariffs?
Tariffs are hurting farmers and consumers. Since tariffs are a tax on American consumers, they never should have been enacted without authorization from Congress. We lost global markets - China used to buy 70% of our soybeans. Now Brazil and Argentina have taken over. The result for consumers has been higher grocery prices. We are supposed to have a free market. Tariffs should be used sparingly and only after negotiations are in place.
How would you support family farms that are at risk of going bankrupt?
Farmland belongs in the hands of the people who work it. As Ag Commissioner, I will fight for fair commodity and input prices so that hard working people can pass on their land to the next generation. Struggling farmers must be offered answers to their financial concerns, so we need to bolster the North Dakota Mediation Service with more ag credit counselors. My department staff will focus on conducting surveys, researching solutions, and working with policymakers to address the current crisis.
What is your stance on requiring country of origin labelling for beef and pork sold in the US?
I support mandatory country of origin labelling (MCOOL). American consumers deserve to know where their food is coming from. Right now, voluntary labeling lets the big meatpackers hide that information. Restoring MCOOL for beef and pork will help North Dakota producers get the price they deserve and point consumers to their superior, locally raised products.
Read Vern’s answers on the League of Women Voters Vote411.org website. And compare his answers with incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.