FARGO - Candidates for state agriculture commissioner both say they would work to reduce the financial burden on college students.

The issue came up Wednesday after Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Republican challenger Doug Goehring were asked at a North Dakota State University debate about loans from the Bank of North Dakota. The agriculture commissioner sits on the state Industrial Commission, which serves as the state-owned bank's board of directors.

Johnson said the bank "makes a lot of money," about a third of which comes from interest off student loans, he said. He favors reducing either interest rates on loans or tuition.

"We need to take some of those dollars to help students. They are our future," Johnson said.

Goehring said there should be "some way to offset that interest" for students who plan to stay in the state. He pledged to do more research on the plan.

Both candidates talked at length about their ideas for the next federal farm bill, with both claiming to be well-positioned to help benefit the state's producers.

Johnson said his position as the next president of the nation's agricultural commissioners and his relationship with the state's all-Democratic congressional delegation should help influence lawmakers. He pointed out that he helped write recommendations for the last farm bill.

Goehring said he has worked closely with farmers and agriculture groups in the past, so he knows what producers are looking for from the federal government.

"It's a collective and collaborative effort," he said. "It's all of us."

Goehring said his priorities are developing working relationships with producers, getting more money for research and reforming crop insurance. Johnson said the top two issues in the campaign are the farm bill and renewable energy.

Johnson supports a state requirement on ethanol and biodiesel fuels, and would like to see the fund for renewable energy incentives increased from $4.5 million to $20 million. He criticized Goehring for testifying both for and against a renewable fuel mandate.

Goehring said he has always personally favored a national standard, but the fact he was able to set aside his own opinion while representing a group shows "fine leadership qualities."

The candidates also disagreed about the estate tax. Johnson said it should remain in place because it's a key revenue source and owners are allowed a $2 million exemption. Goehring said it shouldn't apply to people who plan to stay in business.

"When you look at our industry, we can be asset-rich and cash-poor," Goehring said.