MN AG COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS USDA FUNDING FREEZE

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson says he’s trying to understand why the Trump administration threatened to freeze $129-million in fedeeral funding to the state.  Petersen says the State Department of Agriculture was notified earlier this month and believes the decision may be tied to broader concerns about fraud in Minnesota programs.  He says, “it’s tough to be singled out somewhat.”  He stresses there is no fraud issue within his department.  USDA has already reversed at least one freeze, restoring funds to the University of Minnesota’s poultry facility after a brief pause.