Bill > HF2916

This bill appropriates state funds to support a southeast regional groundwater protection and soil health initiative in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill allocates an unspecified amount of money from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, to be distributed as grants to soil and water conservation districts in 11 southeastern counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. The primary goals of these grants are to reduce the leaching of excess crop nutrients into groundwater, immobilize unused nitrogen in the soil's rooting zone, and decrease soil erosion. The bill also provides flexibility for the receiving soil and water conservation districts, allowing them to make subgrants for projects that align with the Olmsted County groundwater protection and soil health initiative, which includes programs for cover crops, alternative crops, and haying, grazing, and pasture enhancement. This initiative aims to improve agricultural practices and environmental sustainability in the southeast region of Minnesota.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2916&ssn=0&y=2025