Bill > SF1575

This bill establishes a biofertilizer water preservation pilot program administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture to incentivize farmers to reduce commercial nitrogen fertilizer usage through innovative technologies. The program will provide annual per-acre payments of at least $5 to farmers who can demonstrate a reduction in commercial nitrogen fertilizer rates by either 15% or 30 pounds per acre, using qualifying biofertilizer products such as soil amendments, nitrogen-fixing fertilizers, and biological nitrogen sources. To participate, farmers must submit documentation of their crop nutrient management plans that show reduced fertilizer usage. The commissioner will consult with natural resources experts and soil and water conservation districts to develop the program, and by January 2028, must submit a comprehensive report to legislative committees detailing the program's impact, including the number of participating farmers, acres involved, fertilizer reduction estimates, and potential improvements. The bill appropriates $5 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund the program, with unspent funds available in the following fiscal year. Additionally, the data submitted by farmers will be kept confidential, with individual identities protected in any reporting.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1575&ssn=0&y=2025