The bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to various Iowa state government entities focused on agriculture, food regulation, natural resources, and environmental protection. Key allocations include $20,377,294 to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, $12,816,738 to the Department of Natural Resources, and specific funding for initiatives such as the butchery innovation program and the Choose Iowa food purchasing program, which supports food banks in acquiring qualified food products. The bill also establishes a new section for the Choose Iowa program and includes provisions for quarterly reporting on expenditures, non-reversion of unencumbered funds, and support for agricultural and environmental initiatives.

Additionally, the bill creates the Iowa Animal Disease Prevention Fund, replacing the previous Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Fund, and expands its purposes. It addresses food regulation by defining misbranding of dairy products and prohibiting the sale of misbranded items, with penalties for violations. The bill also allows the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to hire additional staff for food inspections and ensures that existing licenses apply to new dairy product regulations. Overall, the bill emphasizes continued funding for agricultural, environmental, and food safety initiatives while implementing significant amendments to enhance regulatory oversight and support for Iowa's agricultural sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.13, 456A.17, 165.18, 163.3B, 163.3C, 163.15, 164.4, 164.21, 331.559, 137F.3A