The bill establishes the Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Program in Minnesota, aimed at improving water quality by incentivizing farmers to enhance nitrogen management practices. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, by adding a new subdivision that defines "commercial nitrogen fertilizer" as having a nitrogen content of at least 25 percent. The program will be developed and administered by the commissioner of agriculture in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources and local soil and water conservation districts. The commissioner will determine qualifying products for the program, which may include soil amendments and biological sources of nitrogen.

Farmers who participate in the program can receive annual per-acre incentive payments, starting at a minimum of $5 per acre, for reducing their use of commercial nitrogen fertilizers by specified rates. To qualify, farmers must be Minnesota residents operating eligible farmland, submit a crop nutrient management plan, and enroll at least 40 acres. The bill also mandates a biennial review of the program's effectiveness and requires the commissioner to adopt rules for its implementation. Additionally, it appropriates $1,500,000 from the general fund for the establishment and administration of the program for fiscal year 2026, with any unencumbered balance available until June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 18C.005