This bill modifies a previous appropriation related to agriculture by amending specific sections of Laws 2025, chapter 34. It allows the commissioner of agriculture to utilize up to 7.5 percent of the funds appropriated for administering grant and financial assistance programs. The bill also outlines funding allocations for various agricultural initiatives, including $634,000 each year for the dairy development program, $100,000 for mental health outreach in the agricultural community, and $18,257,000 for the agricultural growth, research, and innovation program. Notably, the bill increases the food purchasing assistance grant program from $700,000 to $1,200,000.
Additionally, the bill specifies that unencumbered balances from appropriations do not cancel at the end of the fiscal year, allowing funds to carry over into the next year. It includes provisions for grants to support various agricultural activities, such as urban agriculture development, food retail improvement, and livestock protection measures. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers and agricultural businesses, particularly in transitioning to organic practices and enhancing food access for children in educational settings.