Groundwater Protection Rule: Farmer Public Comment Letter
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently accepting public comments as part of its review of the Groundwater Protection Rule (GPR). The Irrigators Association of Minnesota encourages farmers who irrigate crops to participate in this process by submitting a written comment in support of the existing, science-based rule.
Click the following link to download the template letter.
The Groundwater Protection Rule has been in place since 2019 and has already led to meaningful improvements in fertilizer timing, nitrogen management, and groundwater protection across Minnesota. Data from monitoring programs, including private well networks, show positive trends in nitrate levels over time. Continued implementation of the current rule allows these improvements to build while maintaining flexibility for farmers to use proven, site-specific practices.
Why This Letter Matters
Public comments are an important part of MDA’s decision-making process. Farmer voices help ensure that real-world experience, on-farm stewardship, and existing conservation efforts are considered as the agency evaluates potential changes to the rule.
This letter is intended to:
- Share firsthand experience from irrigated farms
- Highlight existing nutrient management and irrigation practices already in use
- Support continued implementation of the current Groundwater Protection Rule
- Encourage science-based, targeted approaches rather than broad new restrictions
How to Use the Letter Template
- Download the letter template provided on this page.
- Personalize the letter by filling in your name, county, farm details, and the conservation and nutrient management practices you use on your operation (examples are included in the template).
- Submit the letter to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture using the contact information listed in the letter. Letters may be mailed or emailed.
- Ensure your comment is received by the deadline.
Click the following link to download the template letter.
Deadline to Submit Comments
🚨 PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
All comments must be received by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by this date to be considered.
Submitting a comment helps ensure that the perspective of irrigating farmers is represented in this review. Taking a few minutes to personalize and send this letter is a simple but effective way to support responsible nutrient management, groundwater protection, and the long-term sustainability of irrigated agriculture in Minnesota.
IAM Permit Fee Increase Calculator
The IAM Permit Fee Increase Calculator is a simple tool designed to help Central Minnesota irrigators estimate the additional cost per irrigated acre resulting from proposed changes to irrigation permit fees. By entering three key pieces of information — the total number of irrigation permits you hold, the total number of irrigated acres you manage, and the proposed fee increase per permit — the calculator will provide an estimated cost increase per acre. This resource is intended to support irrigators in budgeting, financial planning, and understanding the impact of permit fee adjustments on their operations.
How to Use the Calculator:
- Download the calculator by clicking the button below.
- Open the file using Microsoft Excel or a compatible spreadsheet program.
- In the designated fields, enter:
- The total number of irrigation permits you manage,
- The total number of irrigated acres,
- The calculator will automatically compute the estimated cost increase per acre based on your inputs.
Central Minnesota Irrigators 