The bill H. F. No. 2446 aims to enhance agricultural support and resources in Minnesota through various appropriations and amendments to existing laws. It allocates significant funding for agricultural growth, research, and innovation programs, including $18,257,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $18,007,000 for fiscal year 2027, with specific allocations for initiatives such as soil health assistance, livestock compensation, and mental health outreach for farmers. The bill also establishes a base appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 and subsequent years, with funds designated for purchasing milk for food shelves, mental health counseling, and expanding support for beginning farmers. Additionally, it includes provisions for transferring funds to various accounts and cancels certain previous appropriations.

The bill introduces several amendments to existing statutes, including new requirements for food access programs and changes to licensing and fees for food handlers and agricultural businesses. It establishes a Retail Improvement and Development program to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved communities and modifies eligibility criteria for participants. The bill also increases appropriations for the agriculture best management practices loan program and revises the livestock investment grant structure. Furthermore, it enhances regulatory oversight in the livestock and food handling industries, including new provisions for licensing and compliance. Overall, the bill seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security, and streamline regulatory processes 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