HF 3194

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/22/2025 11:20 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money to the commissioner of agriculture
for a grant to the Women's Environmental Institute for a farming incubator project.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; WOMEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE.
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new text begin (a) $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for a grant to the Women's Environmental
Institute to develop a farming incubator project for aspiring Black, Indigenous, and People
of Color farmers to increase equitable access to affordable, high-quality food production,
affordable access to organically certified land, and development of organic and regenerative
farming skills and practices. This appropriation must be used to:
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new text begin (1) provide direct grants to farmers experiencing limited land access as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 17.133, subdivision 1, to cover the costs of land rental, purchasing
seeds, compost, irrigation and other farm equipment and supplies, marketing expenses,
transportation expenses, certifications for organic produce, and other directly related farm
expenses;
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new text begin (2) fund administrative, outreach, and recruitment costs;
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new text begin (3) hire a farming incubator project coordinator;
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new text begin (4) develop and provide additional farming infrastructure needed at the Women's
Environmental Institute to support participation in the farming incubator project;
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new text begin (5) provide farming production supplies, food processing equipment, and needed space
to the farming incubator project participants; and
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new text begin (6) provide education and training in regenerative organic farming methods that include
food safety practices, farm finances and budgeting, compost and organic soil health practice,
and marketing.
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new text begin (b) One-third of the money appropriated under this section must be allocated to
communities outside the seven-county metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.121, subdivision 2.
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new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2028.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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