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 awarding grants to eligible agricultural retailers. To qualify for these grants, retailers must be licensed and either certified or making progress toward certification under the 4R nutrient stewardship certification program. The bill outlines specific approved nutrient management practices that retailers can implement, which include soil testing, use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, and various management plans to optimize nutrient application.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grant payments, allowing the commissioner to award $5,000 to retailers making progress toward certification and up to 50 cents per acre for implementing approved practices. It also allows for grants to support training for farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture sector. Importantly, the bill ensures data privacy by classifying field-specific and grower-identifiable data as nonpublic, protecting the identities of grantees while allowing for the preparation of statistical reports. The bill appropriates funds from the general fund for the program, with a portion allocated for administrative costs.