The bill establishes a comprehensive budget for various agricultural agencies in Minnesota, including the Department of Agriculture and the Board of Animal Health, while implementing several policy and technical changes to existing agricultural provisions. Key appropriations include funding for soil health assistance, livestock compensation for damages caused by wildlife, and support for meat and poultry inspection services. The bill also allocates resources for climate-related initiatives, mental health outreach for the agricultural community, and grants aimed at enhancing agricultural growth and innovation. Notably, it introduces a new grant program to improve agricultural infrastructure and food access in underserved communities, with specific funding amounts designated for biofuels infrastructure upgrades and food access initiatives for children.

Additionally, the bill modifies licensing provisions for various agricultural sectors, including livestock marketing agencies and food handlers, while updating definitions and eligibility criteria for programs supporting beginning farmers and those with limited market access. It emphasizes sustainable practices and aims to enhance the agricultural sector's resilience through targeted financial assistance. Significant changes include the extension of unencumbered balances for certain appropriations until June 30, 2029, and the establishment of a tiered fee structure for seed potato certification. The bill also mandates annual reporting on the effectiveness of various programs and includes provisions for food safety training and compliance, ultimately aiming to improve the economic viability of Minnesota's farming community.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18B.26, 18J.01, 18J.02, 18J.03, 18J.04, 18J.05, 18J.06, 18J.07, 18J.09, 21.111, 21.112, 21.113, 21.115, 21.117, 21.119, 21.1195, 21.1196, 21.891, 28A.03, 28A.04, 28A.05, 28A.06, 28A.07, 28A.0753, 28A.08, 28A.085, 28A.14, 28A.17, 32D.01, 41B.039, 41B.04, 41B.042, 41B.043, 41B.045, 41B.047, 41B.056, 41B.057, 223.17, 232.22
1st Engrossment: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18B.26, 18C.111, 25.391, 32D.01, 35.155, 41A.09, 41A.16, 41A.30, 41B.039, 41B.0391, 41B.04, 41B.042, 41B.043, 41B.045, 41B.047, 41B.056, 41B.057, 223.17, 232.22, 239.761, 296A.01, 239.77, 17A.03, 17A.04, 17A.06, 17A.07, 17A.08, 17A.15, 18J.01, 18J.02, 18J.03, 18J.04, 18J.05, 18J.06, 18J.07, 18J.09, 21.111, 21.112, 21.113, 21.115, 21.117, 21.119, 21.1195, 21.1196, 21.891, 28A.03, 28A.04, 28A.05, 28A.06, 28A.07, 28A.0753, 28A.08, 28A.081, 28A.085, 28A.14, 28A.151, 28A.152, 28A.17
2nd Engrossment: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18B.26, 18B.37, 18C.111, 25.391, 32D.01, 35.155, 41A.09, 41A.16, 41A.30, 41B.039, 41B.0391, 41B.04, 41B.042, 41B.043, 41B.045, 41B.047, 41B.056, 41B.057, 223.17, 232.22, 239.761, 296A.01, 239.77, 17A.03, 17A.04, 17A.06, 17A.07, 17A.08, 17A.15, 18J.01, 18J.02, 18J.03, 18J.04, 18J.05, 18J.06, 18J.07, 18J.09, 21.111, 21.112, 21.113, 21.115, 21.117, 21.119, 21.1195, 21.1196, 21.891, 28A.03, 28A.04, 28A.05, 28A.06, 28A.07, 28A.0753, 28A.08, 28A.081, 28A.085, 28A.14, 28A.151, 28A.152, 28A.17