31762 Wiscoy Ridge Road
Winona, Minnesota 55987 USA
Ph/Fax: (507) 454-8310 Ph: (507) 454-7549
Email: jriddle@hbci.com and jford@hbci.com
RE: Minnesota Pipe Line Company Crude Oil Pipeline 15-2500-17136-2
Dear Judge Heydinger:
I am writing to urge you to require the Minnesota Pipe Line Company to choose a pipeline route that avoids going through Gardens of Eagan organic farm. I have been an avid consumer, organic farmer and organic inspector for many years. Gardens of Eagan is the longest certified organic farm in Minnesota, since 1975; Martin and Atina Diffley were the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service 2004 Farmers of the Year. This is the farm they have put their life into. They deserve better!
3 times I have been Gardens of Eagan’s organic inspector: once at their original home farm which was owned by Martin Diffley’s family. This farm land was sold to make room for a housing development. I remember inspecting these fields when the bulldozers were moving earth just out of reach of their organic fields. After all the land was sold, they had to find another farm. During this 3 year transition period (the time it takes to transition land from conventional farmland to organic), they farmed in over 20 field locations, from 1-20 acres over a 25 miles radius. They rented whatever land was available and qualified for certification. It was very hard moving farm equipment from field to field, harvesting daily and just the sheer logistics protecting the integrity of their organic food, which is required by organic certification. But they did it because they were committed to producing good quality, healthy food for Minnesotans!
At the same time they were working hard to transition their new farm near Hampton, MN to qualify for organic certification. The 3rd time I inspected Gardens of Eagan was at their current location. They have worked very hard, with numerous cover croppings of sudan grass and other crops to build a healthy soil, reduce weed problems and produce healthy food. Healthy soil does not just happen over night. This is a resource they have fostered and is the focus of their organic farming management strategy.
With the likelihood of soil erosion caused by the pipeline, their organic certification would be at risk, as soil erosion is specifically prohibited by the National Organic Program (NOP) run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are other problems for certification as well, i.e., disruption of their crop rotation which in turn, affects their weed and pest management strategies; use of prohibited materials in and around the pipeline, forcing them to put more of their land into buffers (also required by USDA NOP). Please refer to 7 CFR Part 205 for all organic requirements.
I have personally known Martin and Atina Diffley since 1978, and I can easily say they have the most integrity of any couple I know. They are innovative and have continually led the way with years of on-farm research. They continue to inspire and teach young farmers about organic farming. They have been organic leaders in Minnesota for over 30 years.
I understand there are alternative routes for this pipeline to take. It is in your power to make this decision. Please consider their farm as a resource Minnesota cannot do without. Do not destroy this farm.
Thank you for taking the time to seriously weigh the alternatives. If you have any questions regarding organic certification, I am more than willing help answer them. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I have attached my business card with contact information. As I am out of town from May 14-18, please use my cell phone if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Joyce E. Ford