1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to agriculture; establishing a farm-to-foodshelf program; appropriating 
1.3 	money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; FARM-TO-FOODSHELF PROGRAM.
 1.6 	$1,100,000 in fiscal year 2018 and $1,100,000 in fiscal year 2019 are appropriated from 
1.7 	the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to Second Harvest Heartland 
1.8 	on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks that serve Minnesota to compensate 
1.9 	agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred to harvest and package for transfer 
1.10 	surplus fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural commodities that would otherwise go 
1.11 	unharvested, be discarded, or be sold in a secondary market. Surplus commodities must be 
1.12 	distributed statewide to food shelves and other charitable organizations that are eligible to 
1.13 	receive food from the food banks. Surplus food acquired under this appropriation must be 
1.14 	from Minnesota producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must report when 
1.15 	required by, and on forms prescribed by, the commissioner. Second Harvest Heartland may 
1.16 	use up to 15 percent of the grant for matching administrative and transportation expenses.