Bill > HF985

This bill provides financial appropriations for Minnesota's soil health financial assistance program, allocating a specific amount of money from the state's general fund in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support agricultural soil health initiatives. Under the bill, the commissioner of agriculture is authorized to award grants, with a maximum of $50,000 per recipient each year, and can use up to 6.5% of the appropriation for program administration costs. The bill includes flexibility in fund usage by allowing unencumbered balances from fiscal year 2026 to carry over to fiscal year 2027, and permits appropriations that are contractually committed by June 30, 2027, to remain available for use until June 30, 2029. The soil health financial assistance program, established under Minnesota Statutes section 17.134, aims to support agricultural practices that improve soil quality and sustainability, though the specific details of qualifying practices are not outlined in this funding bill.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0985&ssn=0&y=2025