The proposed bill establishes a new cooperative development grant program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116J. The program aims to provide financial assistance to new cooperatives that focus on operating processing facilities or marketing products and services. The commissioner is authorized to implement this grant program, which will offer grants of up to $50,000 to eligible cooperatives. To qualify, cooperatives must be organized under specific chapters, ensure that control is held by patrons or those actively engaged in the cooperative's activities, primarily serve Minnesota-based patrons, and not allow nonpatron voting rights.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for eligible grantees, which include a focus on processing, marketing, or providing services produced in Minnesota. The grants can be used for various purposes, such as feasibility studies, marketing analysis, organizational development, and facility design. Importantly, the bill stipulates that grant funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar with other financial resources or in-kind contributions, ensuring that the cooperatives have a vested interest in their development.