The bill H. F. No. 2446 aims to enhance agricultural support and resources in Minnesota through a series of appropriations and strategic initiatives for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It allocates significant funding for various agricultural programs, including $1,000,000 annually for purchasing milk for food shelves, $260,000 for mental health counseling for farm operators, and $1,000,000 to expand the Emerging Farmers Office. The bill also establishes a biofertilizer innovation program, increases funding for meat and poultry inspection services, and supports urban agriculture development. Additionally, it introduces new provisions for the Retail Improvement and Development Program, which focuses on improving food access in underserved communities, and mandates compliance with conditions such as accepting SNAP benefits.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to strengthen regulatory oversight in the agricultural sector, including provisions for pesticide regulation and livestock market operations. It increases licensing fees for grain storage and food handlers, while also establishing new definitions and eligibility criteria for various agricultural programs. Notably, it deletes the previous provision regarding unencumbered balances and introduces a new provision allowing funds to remain available until June 30, 2032, for agricultural growth initiatives. The bill emphasizes the importance of reporting requirements and the effective use of funds to bolster agricultural practices and promote sustainable development in Minnesota.

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: 17.133, 18B.01, 18B.30
2nd Engrossment: 17.133, 18B.01, 18B.30
3rd Engrossment: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18.79, 18B.26, 18B.37, 18C.111, 25.391, 32D.01, 35.155, 41A.16, 41B.039, 41B.0391, 41B.04, 41B.042, 41B.043, 41B.045, 41B.047, 41B.056, 41B.057, 223.17, 232.22, 239.77, 17A.03, 17A.04, 17A.06, 17A.07, 17A.08, 17A.15, 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
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18.79, 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
CCR-HF2446: 17.1017, 17.1018, 17.117, 17.118, 17.133, 18.79, 18B.26, 18B.37, 18C.111, 25.391, 32D.01, 35.155, 41A.16, 41B.039, 41B.0391, 41B.04, 41B.042, 41B.043, 41B.045, 41B.047, 41B.056, 41B.057, 223.17, 232.22, 239.77, 17A.03, 17A.04, 17A.06, 17A.07, 17A.08, 17A.15, 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