Bill > HF2761

This bill establishes comprehensive new regulations and monitoring requirements for pesticides, with a particular focus on pesticides used in treated seeds. The bill expands the state commissioner of agriculture's pesticide management plan to include pesticides from treated seeds, broadens coordination efforts to include local governments and public health agencies, and requires new monitoring and prevention strategies for potential contamination of groundwater, surface water, and air quality. The legislation introduces a new program to regulate systemic pesticide-treated seeds, mandating tracking of seed purchases, location of use, and requiring formal verification of need before application. The bill also adds labeling requirements for treated seeds, particularly for corn and soybean seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which must include a warning about potential negative impacts on pollinator health. Additionally, the bill establishes a new account to fund research into non-chemical pest prevention methods as alternatives to systemic pesticide-treated seeds, with the University of Minnesota tasked with conducting research and offering competitive grants. The bill includes appropriations to support these new programs and defines specific types of systemic pesticides, with provisions for the commissioner to expand this list as needed. The overall aim is to provide more comprehensive oversight, environmental protection, and research into the use and impacts of pesticide-treated seeds.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2761&ssn=0&y=2025