Climate Politics
Harris’ Vice President Pick Brings Farming Issues Off Backburner
- Risk of tariffs or US biofuel policy changes are top concerns
- With the selection of Walz, ‘Rural America is on the ballot’
Tim Walz speaks before the arrival of Joe Biden at Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, Minnesota, on Nov. 1.
Photographer: Abbie Parr/AP PhotoThis article is for subscribers only.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to pick the governor of a major farming state as her running mate has signaled to the shrinking US agricultural industry that its top issues may finally get some attention on the campaign trail.
Tim Walz’s Minnesota is the country’s top turkey-producing state, its No. 4 corn state and home to agricultural giants from crop trader Cargill Inc. to dairy cooperative Land O’Lakes Inc. During his six terms in Congress, Walz was involved in the crafting of three farm bills; as governor, he has advocated for policies aimed at boosting crop-based renewable fuels like corn ethanol.