Bill > HF1704

This bill establishes budgets and makes various policy changes for agriculture and broadband development in Minnesota for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill appropriates approximately $62.4 million to the Department of Agriculture in the first year and $59 million in the second year, with funding allocated across multiple areas including protection services, agricultural marketing and development, and administrative assistance. Key provisions include establishing a new Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Program to incentivize farmers to reduce commercial nitrogen fertilizer use, providing grants for farm down payment assistance with increased maximum grant amounts, and supporting various agricultural initiatives like mental health support for farmers, food bank assistance, and emerging farmer programs. The bill also appropriates $1 million each year to the Office of Broadband Development and makes changes to underground telecommunications infrastructure installation requirements, including reducing initial certification training from 40 to 10 hours and modifying safety-qualified installer standards. Additionally, the bill includes transfers and appropriations to support agricultural research, education, and environmental programs at the University of Minnesota and other institutions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1704&ssn=0&y=2025