The Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) traces it origins to the Agricultural Nutrient Task Force. This group of farm leaders, legislators, researchers, and industry representatives recognized the need for additional fertilizer research and associated education. They recommended that the legislature establish a council. The council, as stipulated by 18C.70, is composed of 15 voting members. Council members must be nominated by their organizations and appointed by the commissioner. Members serve three-year terms. Appointments must be staggered so that one-third of the council membership is replaced each year. In 2024, legislation was updated to add four new positions to the council. These include one member each from the Minnesota Health Coalition and Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, and one expert each in water quality and public health (Chapter 126 - MN Laws, Article 2, Sec. 37-43)
AFREC Board Members
- Crop Production Retailers: Scott Barnes, Secretary
- Independent Crop Consultant: Bryce Nelson
- Minnesota Corn Growers: Rodney Moe
- Minnesota Farm Bureau: Jeff Pagel, Chair
- Minnesota Farmers Union: Matt Kruger
- Minnesota Grain and Feed: Ryan Kelbrants
- Minnesota Irrigators Association: Grant Anderson, Vice Chair
- Minnesota Soybean Growers: Bob Lindeman, Secretary
- Minnesota Wheat Growers: Mark Jossund, Treasurer
- Potato Grower Industry: Pete Ewing
- Sugar Beet Industry: Emma Burt
- Minnesota Soil Health Coalition: Craig LaPlante
- Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture: Craig See
- Expert in Water Quality: Warren Formo
- Expert in Public Health: James Checkel
