This bill, S.F. No. 1840, proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at promoting nutrient management practices in Minnesota agriculture. The program would be administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and provide grants to agricultural retailers who assist farmers in implementing 4R nutrient stewardship practices (using the right source of nutrients at the right rate, time, and place).

Key Provisions:

1. Eligibility:

   • Agricultural retailers must be licensed and either certified or making progress toward 4R certification.
   • Retailers must apply and provide necessary documentation to prove eligibility.

2. Approved Practices:

   • The Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with stakeholders, will approve specific nutrient management practices.
   • These practices may include:
     • Soil testing
     • Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (e.g., nitrification inhibitors)
     • Variable-rate nutrient application tailored to soil and crop needs
     • Nutrient and manure management plans
     • Cover crops to reduce nutrient loss
     • Irrigation water management
     • Edge-of-field practices to reduce runoff
     • Conservation tillage and crop rotation

3. Grant Payments:

   • Retailers making progress toward 4R certification can receive a one-time grant of $5,000 upon completion of a certification audit.
   • Certified retailers can receive:
     • Up to 50 cents per acre for working with farmers to implement approved practices.
     • Up to 25 cents per acre for nutrient planning provided by a certified crop adviser or professional agronomist.
   • Grants may also be awarded for delivering 4R training to farmers and other stakeholders.

4. Data Privacy:

   • Field-specific and grower-identifiable information (such as field maps, fertilizer records, soil analysis, etc.) will be classified as nonpublic data.
   • The Commissioner may publish statistical reports as long as they do not reveal identifiable grantee information.

5. Funding:

   • Appropriations from the general fund will provide grants in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
   • Up to 10% of the funding may be used for program administration by the Commissioner.

Objective:

The goal of this program is to enhance agricultural sustainability by encouraging nutrient-efficient practices, reducing environmental impact, and improving crop productivity through better fertilizer management.

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