Pentel critical of establishment

Farmfest winds

up today

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

GILFILLAN -- Green Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Pentel blasted the Minnesota political establishment Wednesday at the governor candidates' forum at Farmfest 2002.

Pentel -- whose campaign literature headlined his campaign having "refreshingly clean politics" and being "corporate and PAC money free" -- said family farmers are being run off their land because big corporations like Cargill, ConAgra and Monsanto "run the show" at the state capitol in St. Paul and don't care about Minnesota farmers.

"There's a disconnect between the words and the deeds," Pentel said. "Let's be honest about this and not just pandering for votes. Mr. Moe, Pawlenty and Penny have allowed this on their time."

Pentel -- a lifelong activist -- said he's against corporate agriculture in favor of small, sustainable family farms up to 200 acres in size. He talked about single-payer healthcare to cover all Minnesotans, tax breaks for family farmers and organic agriculture and an economically and ethnically diverse and decentralized administration.

"I want health insurance for everyone," Pentel said. "We should have created that 50 years ago."

Pentel also took a shot at Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson for allowing genetically-engineered agriculture to be used without Environmental Impact Statements and and Environmental Assessments and allowing family farmers to sign liability agreements for genetic seeds.

Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty agreed with some of what Pentel said about corporate agriculture, saying corporations used research done by the University of Minnesota Agricultural School to the detriment of family farmers.

Democratic candidate Roger Moe said he would never pick a fight with the University of Minnesota president, which he cited as one of the reasons why Mark Yudof has left the school.

If elected, Pentel said he would seek an immediate moratorium on farm foreclosures and "put Cargill, ConAgra and Monsanto on the sidelines; reduce agriculture property taxes and eliminate property tax on farms that follow soil and water conservation guidelines.

Pentel said corporate global trade "sucks money out of the rural Minnesota economy." He would rather see agriculture products sold directly from farmers to consumers to boost the rural economy.

"Money will turn over in twice as many places that way," Pentel said. "I'm scared of corporate global trade. I've seen the deeds. This is spooky."

Pawlenty said anybody against global trade was "kooky."

Pentel responded that he was saddened by the name calling.

Pentel called for an end to vertical integration that allowed Minnesota packers to own livestock. He opposed concentrated feedlots and favored free-range grazing.

Independent Party candidate Tim Penny favored producer's rights that are fair to farmers and using co-ops and niche markets.

Penny said partnerships were better than family farmers operating alone.

"Minnesota farmers are so efficient, they could teach state government about it," Penny said.

Candidates were asked how they would sell Minnesota.

Pentel said he wouldn't sell the state, he'd rather protect it with trade measures based on sustainable lifestyles that could be adopted by other countries.

"The only thing I'd sell are models of how to operate," Pentel said. "Cow manure that produces methane to power homes is a good example."

Pawlenty said he would build relationships and use customized production methods to trade internationally.

Moe said trade measures should link rural and urban economies. He stressed the importance of patience when dealing with foreign countries.

Penny suggested looking at specific foreign markets and being persistent about following up.

Ole Savior -- who supports a world free of nuclear weapons -- was not part of the forum. The Democratic candidate did not get the party's endorsement for governor, but he passed out a campaign platform sheet announcing his campaign.

An afternoon forum centered on USDA programs and the 2002 Farm Bill. University of Minnesota Extension Service Dean and Director Chuck Casey said the organization has a web site that explains the Farm Bill, how farmers benefit and local training information. Worksheets and software help farmers base acreage and yield decisions. Workshops will be held throughout the state on the Farm Bill later this year.

For more information, visit: www.extension.umn.edu/farmbill

Today a forum on Strategies for Prosperity In Crop and Livestock Production will be presented by University of Minnesota Regent and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Berglund, Iowa State Livestock Economist John Lawrence and Rockford, Ill. Marketing Analyst Jerry Gulke from 10-11:30 a.m. in the forum tent.