HF 1287

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/15/2017 11:47am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; establishing a farm-to-foodshelf program; appropriating
money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; FARM-TO-FOODSHELF PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $1,100,000 in fiscal year 2018 and $1,100,000 in fiscal year 2019 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to Second Harvest Heartland
on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks that serve Minnesota to compensate
agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred to harvest and package for transfer
surplus fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural commodities that would otherwise go
unharvested, be discarded, or be sold in a secondary market. Surplus commodities must be
distributed statewide to food shelves and other charitable organizations that are eligible to
receive food from the food banks. Surplus food acquired under this appropriation must be
from Minnesota producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must report when
required by, and on forms prescribed by, the commissioner. Second Harvest Heartland may
use up to 15 percent of the grant for matching administrative and transportation expenses.
new text end