This bill proposes the establishment of a grant program to promote specific nutrient management practices in Minnesota agriculture. The bill, known as the Minnesota 4R Agricultural Grants, would be codified in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 17.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Grant Program Creation:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture will provide grants to eligible agricultural retailers to encourage the use of nutrient management practices by farmers.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Agricultural retailers must be licensed under Minnesota Statutes, section 18C.415.
   • They must either be certified or actively working toward certification under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program administered by the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers Association.
   • They must apply in a form specified by the Commissioner and provide required information demonstrating eligibility.

3. Approved Nutrient Management Practices:

   • The Commissioner, in consultation with agricultural stakeholders, will develop a list of approved 4R nutrient management practices that are suitable based on location.
   • Examples of approved practices include:
     • Soil testing every four years
     • Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (e.g., nitrification and urease inhibitors)
     • Variable rate nutrient application
     • Nutrient management plans accounting for all nutrient sources
     • In-season nutrient management using real-time crop monitoring
     • Cover crops for nutrient cycling and reducing losses
     • Conservation tillage (e.g., no-till, reduced tillage)
     • Edge-of-field practices to reduce runoff
     • Irrigation water management
     • Precision agriculture technologies for ideal nutrient use

4. Grant Payments:

   • $5,000 grant for agricultural retailers after their certification application is accepted and they complete an audit.
   • Per-acre payments:
     • Up to 50 cents per acre for certified agricultural retailers implementing approved nutrient management practices with farmers.
     • Up to 25 cents per acre for nutrient planning developed by a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) or a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPA).
   • Grants may also be awarded to certified agricultural retailers to conduct 4R training for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

5. Data Privacy Protections:

   • All grower-identifiable or field-specific data (e.g., maps, fertilizer records, soil analysis) will be classified as nonpublic data.
   • The Commissioner may generate statistical reports as long as they do not reveal individual grantees' identities.

6. Funding Appropriation:

   • The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to implement the grant program.
   • The Commissioner may use up to 10% of the allocated funds for program administration.

Summary:

This bill aims to promote sustainable nutrient management in Minnesota agriculture by providing financial incentives to agricultural retailers who help farmers adopt best management practices under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program. It ensures privacy protections for farmer data and provides state funding to support the program.