This bill, introduced in the Minnesota Senate as S.F. No. 2509, proposes the Headwaters Community Food and Water Economic Resiliency Program under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116J. Sponsored by Senators Mohamed and Hawj, the bill aims to foster sustainable, regenerative food systems to strengthen local and regional food and water security in response to climate and economic challenges.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Purpose

   • Administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development, the program supports local food economies through regenerative agricultural practices, infrastructure, and community partnerships.

2. Methods of Implementation

   • Financial and technical assistance for urban/rural organic food producers to develop resilient food supply chains.
     
   • Investment in physical infrastructure, such as food storage, greenhouses, seed-saving facilities, and water management systems.
     
   • Support for operational infrastructure, including food production, storage, emergency preparedness, and distribution channels that remove logistical burdens from farmers.
     
   • Funding for reviving food cultures specific to Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.
     
   • Investment in research on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and groundwater restoration.
     
   • Financial support to train and integrate diverse food system workers, including chefs and farmers.
     
   • Affordable health care for food system participants.
     
   • Establishment of a fund to make fruits and vegetables affordable for all income levels.

3. Advisory Committee

   • A Headwaters Community Food and Water Economic Resiliency Advisory Committee will be formed comprising farmers, food cooperatives, chefs, researchers, community organizers, and public health officials, ensuring representation from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
     
   • The committee will guide program implementation, funding, accountability, and investment strategies.

4. Funding Appropriation

   • State funds are allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to implement and sustain the program.

Overall Goal:

The bill seeks to create a resilient, equity-focused, and climate-conscious food system through policy-backed financial investment, diverse community collaboration, and regenerative agricultural infrastructure.