The bill establishes a Biofertilizer Water Preservation Program in Minnesota, aimed at improving water quality by incentivizing farmers to enhance nitrogen management practices. The program will be developed and administered by the commissioner of agriculture in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources and local soil and water conservation districts. It defines "commercial nitrogen fertilizer" and outlines the criteria for qualifying products, which may include soil amendments and biological sources of nitrogen. Farmers can receive annual per acre incentive payments, starting at a minimum of $5 per acre, for reducing their use of commercial nitrogen fertilizers by specified rates.

Additionally, the bill mandates a report from the commissioner by January 8, 2028, detailing the program's effectiveness, including the reduction rates achieved, the number of participating farmers, and the overall impact on commercial nitrogen fertilizer usage. It also includes provisions for data privacy, ensuring that farmers' identities remain confidential in the report. To support the program, the bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, with any unencumbered balance available for fiscal year 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 18C.005