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MDA commissioner defends certification program, points to modeling and safeguards
Summary
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tom Peterson told legislators the program is unique, relies on scientifically based modeling calibrated with field data, and limits reimbursements until practices are documented; MDA said it will refine contingency guidance in response to the audit.
Tom Peterson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, told the commission the department accepts the audit's recommendations and defended the program as a valuable, evolving conservation tool that uses modeling and targeted monitoring.
"This is the only program built to drive comprehensive adoption of proven water quality practices across whole farms," Peterson said. He argued Minnesota's use of modeling is consistent with scientific practice and that the department also collects edge‑of‑field data to calibrate models. Peterson said monitoring can be expensive, difficult to generalize and may take long timeframes to detect changes, but that MDA is drafting a proposal for a monitoring plan.
On contingencies and payments Peterson said reimbursement rules protect public dollars: "The program restricts reimbursements to the maximum of $5,000 capped at 75 percent of the total expenses," and in reimbursement channels producers provide documentation of installed practices before payment. He added MDA has strengthened mid‑certification reviews, audits of certifiers, and internal guidance since the audit period and will work with the legislature on statutory or guidance changes.
