Farmer Lance Nistler sues Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and Governor Tim Walz for alleged discrimination in grant program prioritization.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen denies allegations of discrimination from white, male farmer Lance Nistler, who claims the state's grant program for emerging farmers unjustly prioritized his application due to his unprotected status. Nistler sued Petersen and Governor Tim Walz for discrimination, but Walz was dropped from the lawsuit. The lawsuit focuses on Minnesota's down payment assistance grants, which prioritize applications from women, military veterans, disabled persons, indigenous people, farmers of color, and LGBTQ producers, among others.

February 25, 2024
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