HF 1630

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/20/2013 10:40am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture finance; allocating appropriations for the agricultural
growth, research, and innovation program for fiscal years 2014 and 2015;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.12, subdivision 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.12, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Oversight.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner, in consultation with the chairs and
ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with
jurisdiction over agriculture finance, must allocate available funds among eligible uses,
develop competitive eligibility criteria, and award funds on a needs basis.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 the commissioner
must allocate appropriated funds as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) five percent for cost-sharing grants that facilitate farm-to-school food connections;
new text end

new text begin (2) 25 percent for livestock investment grants;
new text end

new text begin (3) 45 percent for agricultural business development grants that expand production,
processing, and marketing of agricultural products;
new text end

new text begin (4) seven percent for biofuel and renewable energy grants recommended by the
NextGen Energy Board;
new text end

new text begin (5) five percent for a grant to the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership
Council for support of agriculture education programs including 4-H, FFA, and the
Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program;
new text end

new text begin (6) three percent for farm business management tuition grants awarded by the
Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council; and
new text end

new text begin (7) ten percent for competitive research grants to improve traditional crops.
new text end