The bill establishes a new grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.995, aimed at promoting nutrient management practices among farmers in Minnesota. The program will be administered by the commissioner of agriculture, who is tasked with developing a list of approved 4R nutrient management practices in consultation with agricultural stakeholders. Eligible agricultural retailers must be licensed and certified or making progress toward certification under the 4R nutrient stewardship certification program. The bill outlines specific practices that qualify for funding, such as soil testing, use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, and precision agriculture technologies.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grant payments to agricultural retailers based on their progress toward certification and their implementation of approved practices. Grants can be awarded for various activities, including nutrient planning and training for farmers. The bill also addresses data privacy, classifying field-specific and grower-identifiable data as nonpublic and private, ensuring that individual identities remain confidential during the grant-making process. An appropriation from the general fund is proposed for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the grant program and its administration.