This bill aims to enhance agricultural practices in Minnesota by establishing clean water, climate-smart, and soil-healthy farming goals. It introduces a pilot program in southeastern Minnesota that provides financial incentives for farmers adopting specific sustainable practices, such as cover cropping and precision nutrient management. The bill also extends a fertilizer fee, with revenue allocated to a new clean water, climate-smart, and soil-healthy farming account after June 30, 2024. Additionally, it mandates data collection on soil health and water quality, classifies certain farmer data as private or public, and requires annual reporting on program outcomes to legislative committees.

Key provisions include the establishment of specific farming goals, such as having 50% of the state's tillable acres using sustainable practices by 2030, and 100% by 2040. The pilot program will provide direct payments to eligible farmers in designated counties who implement these practices, with payments structured based on the number of acres farmed. The bill also emphasizes the importance of equity in the enrollment process for additional acres and the selection of farmers. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote sustainable agriculture while ensuring accountability through data collection and reporting.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.643