This bill aims to enhance pesticide management and regulation in Minnesota by incorporating new requirements related to pesticides from treated seeds. It mandates the commissioner to develop a comprehensive pesticide management plan that includes prevention, evaluation, and mitigation strategies for pesticides and their breakdown products in groundwater and surface waters. The bill broadens the coordination of this plan to involve local governments and public health agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to pesticide management. Additionally, it introduces new monitoring requirements for groundwater, surface water, and air quality concerning pesticides from treated seeds, and establishes a labeling requirement for certain pesticide-treated seeds.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new program specifically for systemic pesticide-treated seeds, which includes provisions for tracking their use, ensuring regulatory compliance, and studying their environmental and health impacts. It also establishes a systemic pesticide-treated seed alternatives account to fund research on non-chemical pest prevention methods. The bill includes appropriations for implementing the systemic pesticide-treated seed program and the alternatives account, emphasizing the state's commitment to addressing the potential risks associated with pesticide use while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 18B.045, 18B.10, 18D.40, 21.81, 21.82