Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to modify the requirements for the Green Acres tax deferment program in Minnesota. This program allows agricultural property to be taxed at a lower rate to reflect its agricultural use rather than potential market value at its highest possible use.

Main Provisions

• Definition Additions: The bill introduces new definitions for certain terms used within the Green Acres program:
  • Southeast Karst Region: This term is defined to include certain counties—Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona.
  • Nutrient Management Plan: This is defined as a plan tailored to specific sites that ensure plant needs are met while minimizing nutrient loss. It details the appropriate source, method, rate, and timing for applying fertilizer, soil amendments, manure, or other nutrients.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The addition of these definitions aims to provide clarity in the application of the Green Acres tax deferment law, particularly concerning regions with unique geological characteristics like the southeast karst region, and farming practices that need sustainable nutrient management strategies.

Relevant Terms

• Green Acres tax deferment
• Southeast Karst Region
• Nutrient management plan
• Agricultural taxation
• Fertilizer application
• Soil amendment
• Minnesota agriculture