SF2458 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Omnibus Agriculture, Broadband and Rural Development policy and appropriations
Related bill: HF2446
AI Generated Summary
This bill, S.F. No. 2458, primarily relates to state government funding and policy adjustments in agriculture. It establishes a budget for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Key Provisions:
Funding Allocations:
- Allocates over $65 million annually for the Department of Agriculture, including:
- Protection services
- Agricultural marketing and development
- Administration and financial assistance
- Provides funding to the Board of Animal Health and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to maintain current service levels.
- Allocates over $65 million annually for the Department of Agriculture, including:
Policy and Technical Changes:
- Modifies and establishes various fees.
- Requires reports on the use of funds (e.g., biofuels infrastructure, emerging farmer initiatives, and farm transition programs).
- Includes civil penalties for violations of certain regulations.
Grant Funding and Assistance Programs:
- Soil health financial assistance programs.
- Pollinator research funding.
- Livestock and crop damage compensation programs.
- Funding for local food initiatives, such as food distribution through Second Harvest Heartland.
- Support for emerging farmers, urban agriculture, and dairy development programs.
- Financial support for biofuels infrastructure and farmer transition programs.
Cancellations & Transfers:
- Cancels $3 million from a previous appropriation for green fertilizer production.
- Allows fund transfers within the Department of Agriculture with oversight.
This bill aims to support Minnesota’s agricultural industry, enhance sustainability, promote local food systems, fund research, and provide financial assistance to farmers and agricultural businesses.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Referred to | Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development |
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development |
| March 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development |
| April 06, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to | Finance |
| April 06, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to | Finance |
| April 09, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended | |
| April 09, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended | |
| April 09, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Second reading | |
| April 09, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Second reading | |
| Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Rules and Administration | |
| April 27, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders | |
| April 27, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Additional funding and implementation guidelines for food retail improvement."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill modifies provisions under section 17.1017 relating to food retail improvement and development.",
"modified": [
"Adjustments to the allocation and management of food retail improvement funds."
]
},
"citation": "17.1017",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provisions for grants supporting agricultural marketing efforts."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill addresses aspects of agricultural marketing and development under section 17.1018.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "17.1018",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New funding allocations to support low-interest and no-interest loans."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The legislation revises subdivisions 1 and 3 of section 17.117 concerning the agriculture best management practices loan program.",
"modified": [
"Clarified eligibility and use of loan funds for agricultural practices."
]
},
"citation": "17.117",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 1, 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New guidelines for remediation fund usage."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendments made to section 18B.26, subdivision 8, which deals with pesticide regulations.",
"modified": [
"Regulations concerning the registration and use of pesticides."
]
},
"citation": "18B.26",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill updates compensation provisions under section 17.737 for livestock destroyed by wolves.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the eligibility and claims process for farmers."
]
},
"citation": "17.737",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Increased allocations for research and innovation incentives."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Section 41A.12 revisions address the agricultural growth, research, and innovation program.",
"modified": [
"Specifications on fund distribution and usage."
]
},
"citation": "41A.12",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New initiatives under the rapid response fund for agriculture."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This section involves adjustments to the agriculture research and educational grant provisions.",
"modified": [
"Reallocation of grant funding."
]
},
"citation": "41A.14",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Grant programs for updating fuel dispensers."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Biofuel infrastructure development under section 239.7911 is enhanced.",
"modified": [
"Aligns biofuel goals with infrastructure upgrades."
]
},
"citation": "239.7911",
"subdivision": ""
}
]