1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to agriculture; modifying agriculture policy provisions; modifying farm 
1.3 	down payment assistance provisions; modifying seed potato provisions; modifying 
1.4 	fees; allowing eggs to be donated past their quality assurance date; requiring 
1.5 	reports; modifying prior appropriations; appropriating money;amending Minnesota 
1.6 	Statutes 2024, sections 17.458, subdivision 1; 17.81, by adding a subdivision; 
1.7 	18.77, subdivision 12, by adding subdivisions; 18.771; 18.79, subdivision 2; 18.81, 
1.8 	subdivision 3; 18.82; 18.83, subdivision 3; 18.86; 18.91, subdivision 2; 18C.005, 
1.9 	subdivisions 6, 6a, 25, 33, by adding subdivisions; 18C.211, subdivision 4; 18C.411, 
1.10 	subdivision 2; 18J.01; 18J.02; 18J.03; 18J.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 18J.05, 
1.11 	subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 18J.06; 18J.07, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 18J.09; 18K.02, 
1.12 	subdivisions 5, 6; 18K.04, subdivision 1; 21.111; 21.112, by adding a subdivision; 
1.13 	21.113; 21.115; 21.117; 21.119; 21.1195; 21.891, subdivision 2; 28A.0752; 29.21, 
1.14 	by adding a subdivision; 29.26; 31.01, by adding a subdivision; 31.12; 31.633; 
1.15 	32D.30, subdivision 5; 34A.01, by adding a subdivision; 35.155, subdivision 4; 
1.16 	41A.19; 41B.048, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, by adding subdivisions; 583.215; 604A.40, 
1.17 	subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 17.1017, subdivision 
1.18 	9; 17.133, subdivisions 1, 2; 18.79, subdivision 3; 28A.04, subdivision 1; 28A.08, 
1.19 	subdivision 3; Laws 2023, chapter 43, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, as 
1.20 	amended; Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, as amended, 
1.21 	4, as amended; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 18C; 
1.22 	21; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 18.77, subdivision 14; 18K.02, 
1.23 	subdivision 7; 18K.03, subdivision 2; 28A.075.
2.1 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

2.2 	ARTICLE 1
2.3 	AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS

2.4 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH 
2.5 	INSTITUTE.
 2.6 	$80,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the board of directors 
2.7 	of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute for legal costs. This is a onetime 
2.8 	appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.

2.9 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

2.10 	Sec. 2. Laws 2023, chapter 43, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 
2.11 	2024, chapter 126, article 1, section 1, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

2.12
2.13	Subd. 5.Administration and Financial 
Assistance
 		16,643,000
		14,587,000
	
2.14 	(a) $474,000 the first year and $474,000 the 
2.15 	second year are for payments to county and 
2.16 	district agricultural societies and associations 
2.17 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, 
2.18 	subdivision 1. Aid payments to county and 
2.19 	district agricultural societies and associations 
2.20 	must be disbursed no later than July 15 of each 
2.21 	year. These payments are the amount of aid 
2.22 	from the state for an annual fair held in the 
2.23 	previous calendar year.
2.24 	(b) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the 
2.25 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
2.26 	Agricultural Education and Leadership 
2.27 	Council for programs of the council under 
2.28 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D. The base for 
2.29 	this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal year 
2.30 	2026 and each year thereafter.
2.31 	(c) $2,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
2.32 	Minnesota State Poultry Association. This is 
3.1 	a onetime appropriation. Notwithstanding 
3.2 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
3.3 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
3.4 	end of the first year and is available for the 
3.5 	second year.
3.6 	(d) $18,000 the first year and $18,000 the 
3.7 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
3.8 	Livestock Breeders Association. This is a 
3.9 	onetime appropriation.
3.10 	(e) $60,000 the first year and $60,000 the 
3.11 	second year are for grants to the Northern 
3.12 	Crops Institute that may be used to purchase 
3.13 	equipment. This is a onetime appropriation.
3.14 	(f) $34,000 the first year and $34,000 the 
3.15 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
3.16 	State Horticultural Society. This is a onetime 
3.17 	appropriation.
3.18 	(g) $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
3.19 	second year are for grants to the Center for 
3.20 	Rural Policy and Development. This is a 
3.21 	onetime appropriation.
3.22 	(h) $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the 
3.23 	second year are appropriated from the general 
3.24 	fund to the commissioner of agriculture for 
3.25 	grants to the Minnesota Turf Seed Council for 
3.26 	basic and applied research on: (1) the 
3.27 	improved production of forage and turf seed 
3.28 	related to new and improved varieties; and (2) 
3.29 	native plants, including plant breeding, 
3.30 	nutrient management, pest management, 
3.31 	disease management, yield, and viability. The 
3.32 	Minnesota Turf Seed Council may subcontract 
3.33 	with a qualified third party for some or all of 
3.34 	the basic or applied research. Any 
4.1 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
4.2 	end of the first year and is available in the 
4.3 	second year. The Minnesota Turf Seed Council 
4.4 	must prepare a report outlining the use of the 
4.5 	grant money and related accomplishments. No 
4.6 	later than January 15, 2025, the council must 
4.7 	submit the report to the chairs and ranking 
4.8 	minority members of the legislative 
4.9 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction 
4.10 	over agriculture finance and policy. This is a 
4.11 	onetime appropriation.
4.12 	(i) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the 
4.13 	second year are for grants to GreenSeam for 
4.14 	assistance to agriculture-related businesses to 
4.15 	support business retention and development, 
4.16 	business attraction and creation, talent 
4.17 	development and attraction, and regional 
4.18 	branding and promotion. These are onetime 
4.19 	appropriations. No later than December 1, 
4.20 	2024, and December 1, 2025, GreenSeam 
4.21 	must report to the chairs and ranking minority 
4.22 	members of the legislative committees with 
4.23 	jurisdiction over agriculture and rural 
4.24 	development with information on new and 
4.25 	existing businesses supported, number of new 
4.26 	jobs created in the region, new educational 
4.27 	partnerships and programs supported, and 
4.28 	regional branding and promotional efforts.
4.29 	(j) $1,950,000 the first year and $1,950,000 
4.30 	the second year are for grants to Second 
4.31 	Harvest Heartland on behalf of Minnesota's 
4.32 	six Feeding America food banks for the 
4.33 	following purposes:
4.34 	(1) at least $850,000 each year must be 
4.35 	allocated to purchase milk for distribution to 
5.1 	Minnesota's food shelves and other charitable 
5.2 	organizations that are eligible to receive food 
5.3 	from the food banks. Milk purchased under 
5.4 	the grants must be acquired from Minnesota 
5.5 	milk processors and based on low-cost bids. 
5.6 	The milk must be allocated to each Feeding 
5.7 	America food bank serving Minnesota 
5.8 	according to the formula used in the 
5.9 	distribution of United States Department of 
5.10 	Agriculture commodities under The 
5.11 	Emergency Food Assistance Program. Second 
5.12 	Harvest Heartland may enter into contracts or 
5.13 	agreements with food banks for shared funding 
5.14 	or reimbursement of the direct purchase of 
5.15 	milk. Each food bank that receives funding 
5.16 	under this clause may use up to two percent 
5.17 	for administrative expenses. Notwithstanding 
5.18 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
5.19 	unencumbered balance the first year does not 
5.20 	cancel and is available the second year;
5.21 	(2) to compensate agricultural producers and 
5.22 	processors for costs incurred to harvest and 
5.23 	package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, 
5.24 	and other agricultural commodities that would 
5.25 	otherwise go unharvested, be discarded, or be 
5.26 	sold in a secondary market. Surplus 
5.27 	commodities must be distributed statewide to 
5.28 	food shelves and other charitable organizations 
5.29 	that are eligible to receive food from the food 
5.30 	banks. Surplus food acquired under this clause 
5.31 	must be from Minnesota producers and 
5.32 	processors. Second Harvest Heartland may 
5.33 	use up to 15 percent of each grant awarded 
5.34 	under this clause for administrative and 
5.35 	transportation expenses; and
6.1 	(3) to purchase and distribute protein products, 
6.2 	including but not limited to pork, poultry, beef, 
6.3 	dry legumes, cheese, and eggs to Minnesota's 
6.4 	food shelves and other charitable organizations 
6.5 	that are eligible to receive food from the food 
6.6 	banks. Second Harvest Heartland may use up 
6.7 	to two percent of each grant awarded under 
6.8 	this clause for administrative expenses. Protein 
6.9 	products purchased under the grants must be 
6.10 	acquired from Minnesota processors and 
6.11 	producers.
6.12 	Second Harvest Heartland must submit 
6.13 	quarterly reports to the commissioner and the 
6.14 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
6.15 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
6.16 	agriculture finance in the form prescribed by 
6.17 	the commissioner. The reports must include 
6.18 	but are not limited to information on the 
6.19 	expenditure of funds, the amount of milk or 
6.20 	other commodities purchased, and the 
6.21 	organizations to which this food was 
6.22 	distributed. The base for this appropriation is 
6.23 	$1,700,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each year 
6.24 	thereafter.
6.25 	(k) $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
6.26 	second year are for grants to the Southern 
6.27 	Minnesota Initiative Foundation to promote 
6.28 	local foods through an annual event that raises 
6.29 	public awareness of local foods and connects 
6.30 	local food producers and processors with 
6.31 	potential buyers.
6.32 	(l) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
6.33 	second year are for grants to The Good Acre 
6.34 	for the Local Emergency Assistance Farmer 
6.35 	Fund (LEAFF) program to compensate 
7.1 	emerging farmers for crops donated to hunger 
7.2 	relief organizations in Minnesota. This is a 
7.3 	onetime appropriation.
7.4 	(m) $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the 
7.5 	second year are to expand the Emerging 
7.6 	Farmers Office and provide services to 
7.7 	beginning and emerging farmers to increase 
7.8 	connections between farmers and market 
7.9 	opportunities throughout the state. This 
7.10 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
7.11 	translation services, training programs, or 
7.12 	other purposes in line with the 
7.13 	recommendations of the Emerging Farmer 
7.14 	Working Group established under Minnesota 
7.15 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1. The 
7.16 	base for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in 
7.17 	fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter.
7.18 	(n) $50,000 the first year is to provide 
7.19 	technical assistance and leadership in the 
7.20 	development of a comprehensive and 
7.21 	well-documented state aquaculture plan. The 
7.22 	commissioner must provide the state 
7.23 	aquaculture plan to the legislative committees 
7.24 	with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and 
7.25 	policy by February 15, 2025.
7.26 	(o) $337,000 the first year and $337,000 the 
7.27 	second year are for farm advocate services. 
7.28 	Of these amounts, $50,000 the first year and 
7.29 	$50,000 the second year are for the 
7.30 	continuation of the farmland transition 
7.31 	programs and may be used for grants to 
7.32 	farmland access teams to provide technical 
7.33 	assistance to potential beginning farmers. 
7.34 	Farmland access teams must assist existing 
7.35 	farmers and beginning farmers with 
8.1 	transitioning farm ownership and farm 
8.2 	operation. Services provided by teams may 
8.3 	include but are not limited to mediation 
8.4 	assistance, designing contracts, financial 
8.5 	planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and 
8.6 	housing assistance.
8.7 	(p) $260,000 the first year and $260,000 the 
8.8 	second year are for a pass-through grant to 
8.9 	Region Five Development Commission to 
8.10 	provide, in collaboration with Farm Business 
8.11 	Management, statewide mental health 
8.12 	counseling support to Minnesota farm 
8.13 	operators, families, and employees, and 
8.14 	individuals who work with Minnesota farmers 
8.15 	in a professional capacity. Region Five 
8.16 	Development Commission may use up to 6.5 
8.17 	percent of the grant awarded under this 
8.18 	paragraph for administration.
8.19 	(q) $1,000,000 the first year is for transfer to 
8.20 	the agricultural emergency account established 
8.21 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.041.
8.22 	(r) $1,084,000 the first year and $500,000 the 
8.23 	second year are to support IT modernization 
8.24 	efforts, including laying the technology 
8.25 	foundations needed for improving customer 
8.26 	interactions with the department for licensing 
8.27 	and payments. This is a onetime appropriation.
8.28 	(s) $275,000 the first year is for technical 
8.29 	assistance grants to certified community 
8.30 	development financial institutions that 
8.31 	participate in United States Department of 
8.32 	Agriculture loan or grant programs for small 
8.33 	or emerging farmers, including but not limited 
8.34 	to the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market 
8.35 	Access Program. For purposes of this 
9.1 	paragraph, "emerging farmer" has the meaning 
9.2 	given in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.055, 
9.3 	subdivision 1. The commissioner may use up 
9.4 	to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for costs 
9.5 	incurred to administer the program. 
9.6 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
9.7 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance does not 
9.8 	cancel at the end of the first year and is 
9.9 	available in the second year. This is a onetime 
9.10 	appropriation.
9.11 	(t) $1,425,000 the first year and $1,425,000 
9.12 	the second year are for transfer to the 
9.13 	agricultural and environmental revolving loan 
9.14 	account established under Minnesota Statutes, 
9.15 	section 17.117, subdivision 5a, for low-interest 
9.16 	loans under Minnesota Statutes, section 
9.17 	17.117.
9.18 	(u) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the 
9.19 	second year are for administrative support for 
9.20 	the Rural Finance Authority.
9.21 	(v) The base in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 is 
9.22 	$150,000 each year to coordinate 
9.23 	climate-related activities and services within 
9.24 	the Department of Agriculture and 
9.25 	counterparts in local, state, and federal 
9.26 	agencies and to hire a full-time climate 
9.27 	implementation coordinator. The climate 
9.28 	implementation coordinator must coordinate 
9.29 	efforts seeking federal funding for Minnesota's 
9.30 	agricultural climate adaptation and mitigation 
9.31 	efforts and develop strategic partnerships with 
9.32 	the private sector and nongovernment 
9.33 	organizations.
9.34 	(w) $1,200,000 the first year and $930,000 the 
9.35 	second year are to maintain the current level 
10.1 	of service delivery. The base for this 
10.2 	appropriation is $1,065,000 in fiscal year 2026 
10.3 	and $1,065,000 in fiscal year 2027 and each 
10.4 	year thereafter.
10.5 	(x) $250,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
10.6 	Board of Regents of the University of 
10.7 	Minnesota to purchase equipment for the 
10.8 	Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to test for 
10.9 	chronic wasting disease, African swine fever, 
10.10 	avian influenza, and other animal diseases. 
10.11 	The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory must 
10.12 	report expenditures under this paragraph to 
10.13 	the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
10.14 	over agriculture finance and higher education 
10.15 	with a report submitted by January 3, 2024, 
10.16 	and a final report submitted by December 31, 
10.17 	2024. The reports must include a list of 
10.18 	equipment purchased, including the cost of 
10.19 	each item.
10.20 	(y) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
10.21 	the second year are to award and administer 
10.22 	down payment assistance grants under 
10.23 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.133, with 
10.24 	priority given to eligible applicants with no 
10.25 	more than $100,000 in annual gross farm 
10.26 	product sales and eligible applicants who are 
10.27 	producers of industrial hemp, cannabis, or one 
10.28 	or more of the following specialty crops as 
10.29 	defined by the United States Department of 
10.30 	Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop 
10.31 	block grant program: fruits and vegetables, 
10.32 	tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, 
10.33 	culinary herbs and spices, horticulture crops, 
10.34 	floriculture crops, and nursery crops. 
10.35 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
11.1 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
11.2 	of the first year does not cancel and is 
11.3 	available in the second year and appropriations 
11.4 	encumbered under contract by June 30, 2025, 
11.5 	are available until June 30, 2027.
11.6 	(z) $222,000 the first year and $322,000 the 
11.7 	second year are for meat processing training 
11.8 	and retention incentive grants under section 
11.9 	5. By December 1 each year in 2026, 2027, 
11.10 	and 2028, the commissioner must submit a 
11.11 	report to the chairs and ranking minority 
11.12 	members of the legislative committees with 
11.13 	jurisdiction over agriculture finance and policy 
11.14 	detailing uses of the funds in this paragraph, 
11.15 	including award amounts to each partner 
11.16 	organization, how much of each award was 
11.17 	used, the types of expenses paid for with the 
11.18 	funds, and the number of employees served. 
11.19 	The commissioner may use up to 6.5 percent 
11.20 	of this appropriation for costs incurred to 
11.21 	administer the program. Notwithstanding 
11.22 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
11.23 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
11.24 	end of the first year and is available in the 
11.25 	second year. This is a onetime appropriation
11.26 	and is available until June 30, 2028.
11.27 	(aa) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
11.28 	second year are for transfer to the Board of 
11.29 	Regents of the University of Minnesota to 
11.30 	evaluate, propagate, and maintain the genetic 
11.31 	diversity of oilseeds, grains, grasses, legumes, 
11.32 	and other plants including flax, timothy, 
11.33 	barley, rye, triticale, alfalfa, orchard grass, 
11.34 	clover, and other species and varieties that 
11.35 	were in commercial distribution and use in 
12.1 	Minnesota before 1970, excluding wild rice. 
12.2 	This effort must also protect traditional seeds 
12.3 	brought to Minnesota by immigrant 
12.4 	communities. This appropriation includes 
12.5 	funding for associated extension and outreach 
12.6 	to small and Black, Indigenous, and People of 
12.7 	Color (BIPOC) farmers. This is a onetime 
12.8 	appropriation.
12.9 	(bb) $300,000 the second year is to award and 
12.10 	administer beginning farmer equipment and 
12.11 	infrastructure grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
12.12 	section 17.055. This is a onetime 
12.13 	appropriation.
12.14 	(cc) $25,000 the first year is for the credit 
12.15 	market report. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
12.16 	Statutes, section 16A.28, any unencumbered 
12.17 	balance does not cancel at the end of the first 
12.18 	year and is available in the second year. This 
12.19 	is a onetime appropriation.
12.20 	(dd) The commissioner shall continue to 
12.21 	increase connections with ethnic minority and 
12.22 	immigrant farmers to farming opportunities 
12.23 	and farming programs throughout the state.

12.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

12.25 	Sec. 3. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

12.26	Subd. 2.Protection Services

12.27	Appropriations by Fund
	
12.2912.28
	General
	20,828,000
	21,207,000
21,457,000
	
12.30	Remediation
	399,000
	399,000
	
12.31 	(a) $399,000 the first year and $399,000 the 
12.32 	second year are from the remediation fund for 
13.1 	administrative funding of the voluntary 
13.2 	cleanup program.
13.3 	(b) $639,000 the first year and $639,000 the 
13.4 	second year are for the soil health financial 
13.5 	assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, 
13.6 	section 17.134. The commissioner may award 
13.7 	no more than $50,000 of the appropriation 
13.8 	each year to a single recipient. 
13.9 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
13.10 	16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner may 
13.11 	use up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for 
13.12 	costs incurred to administer the program. Any 
13.13 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
13.14 	end of the first year and is available in the 
13.15 	second year. Appropriations encumbered 
13.16 	under contract on or before June 30, 2027, for 
13.17 	soil health financial assistance grants are 
13.18 	available until June 30, 2029.
13.19 	(c) $275,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
13.20 	second year are for compensation for livestock 
13.21 	destroyed or crippled by a wolf under 
13.22 	Minnesota Statutes, section 3.737. The first 
13.23 	year appropriation may be spent to compensate 
13.24 	for livestock that were destroyed or crippled 
13.25 	during fiscal year 2025. If the amount in the 
13.26 	first year is insufficient, the amount in the 
13.27 	second year is available in the first year. The 
13.28 	commissioner may use up to $5,000 each year 
13.29 	to reimburse expenses incurred by university 
13.30 	extension educators to provide fair market 
13.31 	values of destroyed or crippled livestock. If 
13.32 	the commissioner receives federal money to 
13.33 	pay claims for destroyed or crippled livestock, 
13.34 	an equivalent amount of this appropriation 
13.35 	may be used to reimburse nonlethal prevention 
14.1 	methods performed by federal wildlife services 
14.2 	staff. The base for this appropriation is 
14.3 	$175,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
14.4 	thereafter.
14.5 	(d) $255,000 the first year and $230,000 the 
14.6 	second year are for compensation for crop or 
14.7 	fence damage caused by elk under Minnesota 
14.8 	Statutes, section 3.7371. If the amount in the 
14.9 	first year is insufficient, the amount in the 
14.10 	second year is available in the first year. The 
14.11 	commissioner may use up to $10,000 of the 
14.12 	appropriation each year to reimburse expenses 
14.13 	incurred by the commissioner or the 
14.14 	commissioner's approved agent to investigate 
14.15 	and resolve claims, as well as for costs 
14.16 	associated with training for approved agents. 
14.17 	The commissioner may use up to $40,000 of 
14.18 	the appropriation each year for grants to 
14.19 	producers for measures to protect stored crops 
14.20 	from elk damage. If the commissioner 
14.21 	determines that claims made under Minnesota 
14.22 	Statutes, section 3.737 or 3.7371, are 
14.23 	unusually high, amounts appropriated for 
14.24 	either program may be transferred to the 
14.25 	appropriation for the other program. The base 
14.26 	for this appropriation is $155,000 in fiscal year 
14.27 	2028 and each year thereafter.
14.28 	(e) $825,000 the first year and $825,000 the 
14.29 	second year are to replace capital equipment 
14.30 	in the Department of Agriculture's analytical 
14.31 	laboratory.
14.32 	(f) $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the 
14.33 	second year are for additional meat and poultry 
14.34 	inspection services. The commissioner is 
14.35 	encouraged to seek inspection waivers, match 
15.1 	federal money, and offer more online 
15.2 	inspections for the purposes of this paragraph. 
15.3 	This is a onetime appropriation.
15.4 	(g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the 
15.5 	second year are for grants to counties to 
15.6 	support county agricultural inspectors. The 
15.7 	commissioner may use up to three percent of 
15.8 	the appropriation each year for administration. 
15.9 	This is a onetime appropriation. County 
15.10 	agricultural inspectors and county-designated 
15.11 	employees must annually submit an 
15.12 	application, on a form approved by the 
15.13 	commissioner, to be eligible for funding 
15.14 	during a given year. The commissioner must 
15.15 	equally divide available grant money among 
15.16 	eligible counties. To be eligible for grants 
15.17 	under this section, a county must employ a 
15.18 	county agricultural inspector or a 
15.19 	county-designated employee who:
15.20 	(1) has attended training for new county 
15.21 	agricultural inspectors offered by the 
15.22 	commissioner;
15.23 	(2) coordinates with the commissioner to 
15.24 	review applicable laws and enforcement 
15.25 	procedures;
15.26 	(3) compiles and submits to the commissioner 
15.27 	local weed inspector annual report data;
15.28 	(4) conducts an annual meeting and training 
15.29 	for local weed inspectors; and
15.30 	(5) assists the commissioner with control 
15.31 	programs and other agricultural programs 
15.32 	when requested under Minnesota Statutes, 
15.33 	section 18.81, subdivision 1b, as directed by 
15.34 	the county board.
16.1 	(h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
16.2 	second year are appropriated to establish and 
16.3 	administer the biofertilizer innovation and 
16.4 	efficiency program under Minnesota Statutes, 
16.5 	section 18C.113. The commissioner may use 
16.6 	up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for costs 
16.7 	incurred to administer the program. 
16.8 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
16.9 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
16.10 	of fiscal year 2026 does not cancel and is 
16.11 	available until June 30, 2027. This is a onetime 
16.12 	appropriation.
16.13 	(j) (i) $75,000 the first year is to conduct an 
16.14 	evaluation of the practice performance and 
16.15 	economic performance of the Olmsted County 
16.16 	groundwater protection and soil health 
16.17 	initiative, including the cover crop program, 
16.18 	alternative crops program, and haying, 
16.19 	grazing, and pasture enhancement program. 
16.20 	The evaluation must look at environmental 
16.21 	outcomes, include a cost-benefit analysis, and 
16.22 	be submitted to the chairs and ranking 
16.23 	minority members of the legislative 
16.24 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction 
16.25 	over agriculture policy and finance by June 1, 
16.26 	2027. The commissioner may contract with 
16.27 	an independent third party to conduct the 
16.28 	evaluation.
16.29 	(k) (j) $420,000 the first year and $924,000 
16.30 	the second year are to support current services.

17.1 	Sec. 4. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 
17.2 	2025, First Special Session chapter 11, section 11, is amended to read:

17.3
17.4	Subd. 3.Agricultural Marketing and 
Development
 		23,551,000
		23,301,000
24,301,000
	
17.5 	(a) $634,000 the first year and $634,000 the 
17.6 	second year are for the continuation of the 
17.7 	dairy development and profitability 
17.8 	enhancement program, including dairy 
17.9 	profitability teams and dairy business planning 
17.10 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
17.11 	32D.30.
17.12 	(b) The commissioner may use funds 
17.13 	appropriated in this subdivision for annual 
17.14 	cost-share payments to resident farmers or 
17.15 	entities that sell, process, or package 
17.16 	agricultural products in this state for the costs 
17.17 	of organic certification. The commissioner 
17.18 	may allocate these funds for assistance to 
17.19 	persons transitioning from conventional to 
17.20 	organic agriculture.
17.21 	(c) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the 
17.22 	second year are for mental health outreach and 
17.23 	support to farmers, ranchers, farm workers 
17.24 	and employees, and others in the agricultural 
17.25 	community and profession and for farm and 
17.26 	farm worker safety grant and outreach 
17.27 	programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 
17.28 	17.1195. Mental health outreach and support 
17.29 	may include a 24-hour hotline, stigma 
17.30 	reduction, and education. Notwithstanding 
17.31 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
17.32 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
17.33 	end of the first year and is available in the 
17.34 	second year. The base for this appropriation 
18.1 	is $50,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
18.2 	thereafter.
18.3 	(d) $700,000 the first year and $700,000 the 
18.4 	second year are for the local food purchasing 
18.5 	assistance grant program under article 3, 
18.6 	section 35. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
18.7 	Statutes, section 16A.28, any unencumbered 
18.8 	balance does not cancel at the end of the first 
18.9 	year and is available in the second year.
18.10 	(e) $1,000,000 the second year is to expand 
18.11 	the Emerging Farmers Office and provide 
18.12 	services to beginning and emerging farmers 
18.13 	to increase connections between farmers and 
18.14 	market opportunities throughout the state. This 
18.15 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
18.16 	translation services, training programs, or 
18.17 	other purposes in line with the 
18.18 	recommendations of the emerging farmer 
18.19 	working group established under Minnesota 
18.20 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1.
18.21 	(e) (f) $18,257,000 the first year and 
18.22 	$18,007,000 the second year are for the 
18.23 	agricultural growth, research, and innovation 
18.24 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
18.25 	41A.12. The base for this appropriation is 
18.26 	$17,449,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
18.27 	thereafter.
18.28 	(f) (g) Except as provided in paragraph (g) (h), 
18.29 	the commissioner may allocate the 
18.30 	appropriation in paragraph (e) (f) each year 
18.31 	among the following areas: facilitating the 
18.32 	startup, modernization, improvement, or 
18.33 	expansion of livestock operations, including 
18.34 	beginning and transitioning livestock 
18.35 	operations with preference given to robotic 
19.1 	dairy-milking equipment; assisting 
19.2 	value-added agricultural businesses to begin 
19.3 	or expand, to access new markets, or to 
19.4 	diversify, including aquaponics systems, with 
19.5 	preference given to hemp fiber processing 
19.6 	equipment; facilitating the startup, 
19.7 	modernization, or expansion of other 
19.8 	beginning and transitioning farms, including 
19.9 	by providing loans under Minnesota Statutes, 
19.10 	section 41B.056; sustainable agriculture 
19.11 	on-farm research and demonstration; the 
19.12 	development or expansion of food hubs and 
19.13 	other alternative community-based food 
19.14 	distribution systems; enhancing renewable 
19.15 	energy infrastructure and use; crop research, 
19.16 	including basic and applied turf seed research; 
19.17 	Farm Business Management tuition assistance; 
19.18 	supporting the commercialization of an 
19.19 	innovative material additive utilizing 
19.20 	agricultural coproducts or waste streams to 
19.21 	produce fiber-based barrier packaging to 
19.22 	reduce perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
19.23 	substances (PFAS) and plastics in packaging 
19.24 	products; and good agricultural practices and 
19.25 	good handling practices certification 
19.26 	assistance. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
19.27 	Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the 
19.28 	commissioner may use up to 7.5 percent of 
19.29 	the appropriation in paragraph (e) (f) for costs 
19.30 	incurred to administer the program.
19.31 	(g) (h) Of the amount appropriated for the 
19.32 	agricultural growth, research, and innovation 
19.33 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
19.34 	41A.12:
20.1 	(1) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
20.2 	the second year are for distribution in equal 
20.3 	amounts to each of the state's county fairs to 
20.4 	preserve and promote Minnesota agriculture;
20.5 	(2) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 
20.6 	the second year are for incentive payments 
20.7 	under Minnesota Statutes, sections 41A.16, 
20.8 	41A.17, 41A.18, and 41A.20. If this 
20.9 	appropriation exceeds the total amount for 
20.10 	which all producers are eligible in a fiscal 
20.11 	year, the balance of the appropriation is 
20.12 	available for other purposes under this 
20.13 	paragraph;
20.14 	(3) $2,750,000 the first year and $2,750,000 
20.15 	the second year are for grants that enable retail 
20.16 	petroleum dispensers, fuel storage tanks, and 
20.17 	other equipment to dispense biofuels to the 
20.18 	public in accordance with the biofuel 
20.19 	replacement goals established under 
20.20 	Minnesota Statutes, section 239.7911. A retail 
20.21 	petroleum dispenser selling petroleum for use 
20.22 	in spark ignition engines for vehicle model 
20.23 	years after 2000 is eligible for grant money 
20.24 	under this clause if the retail petroleum 
20.25 	dispenser has no more than 20 retail petroleum 
20.26 	dispensing sites and each site is located in 
20.27 	Minnesota. The grant money must be used to 
20.28 	replace or upgrade equipment that does not 
20.29 	have the ability to be certified for E25. A grant 
20.30 	award must not exceed 65 percent of the cost 
20.31 	of the appropriate technology. A grant award 
20.32 	must not exceed $200,000 per station. The 
20.33 	commissioner must cooperate with biofuel 
20.34 	stakeholders in the implementation of the grant 
20.35 	program. The commissioner, in cooperation 
21.1 	with any economic or community development 
21.2 	financial institution and any other entity with 
21.3 	which the commissioner contracts, must 
21.4 	submit a the report on under Minnesota 
21.5 	Statutes, section 41A.12, subdivision 3, that 
21.6 	includes metrics of the biofuels infrastructure 
21.7 	financial assistance program by January 15
21.8 	each year to the chairs and ranking minority 
21.9 	members of the legislative committees and 
21.10 	divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture 
21.11 	policy and finance. The annual report must 
21.12 	include but not be limited to a summary of the 
21.13 	following metrics: (i) the number and types 
21.14 	of projects financed; (ii) the amount of dollars 
21.15 	leveraged or matched per project; (iii) the 
21.16 	geographic distribution of financed projects; 
21.17 	(iv) any market expansion associated with 
21.18 	upgraded infrastructure; (v) the demographics 
21.19 	of the areas served; (vi) the costs of the 
21.20 	program; and (vii) the number of grants to 
21.21 	minority-owned or female-owned businesses;
21.22 	(4) $350,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
21.23 	second year are for grants to facilitate the 
21.24 	startup, modernization, or expansion of meat, 
21.25 	poultry, egg, and milk processing facilities. A 
21.26 	grant award under this clause must not exceed 
21.27 	$200,000;
21.28 	(5) $1,594,000 the first year and $1,544,000 
21.29 	the second year are for providing more fruits, 
21.30 	vegetables, meat, poultry, grain, and dairy for 
21.31 	children in school and early childhood 
21.32 	education settings, including, at the 
21.33 	commissioner's discretion, providing grants 
21.34 	to reimburse schools and early childhood 
21.35 	education and child care providers for 
22.1 	purchasing equipment and agricultural 
22.2 	products. Of the amount appropriated, 
22.3 	$150,000 each year is for a statewide 
22.4 	coordinator of farm-to-institution strategy and 
22.5 	programming. The coordinator must consult 
22.6 	with relevant stakeholders and provide 
22.7 	technical assistance and training for 
22.8 	participating farmers and eligible grant 
22.9 	recipients. The base for this appropriation is 
22.10 	$1,636,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
22.11 	thereafter. At the commissioner's discretion, 
22.12 	for state administration of federal cooperative 
22.13 	agreements for purchasing Minnesota grown 
22.14 	and raised foods for schools, child care 
22.15 	providers, food banks, and other institutions, 
22.16 	the commissioner may use an amount of state 
22.17 	funds equal to no more than 7.5 percent of the 
22.18 	total federal funds awarded to the state. The 
22.19 	commissioner shall expend any available 
22.20 	federal administrative funds awarded for this 
22.21 	purpose before using state funds;
22.22 	(6) up to $1,750,000 the first year and up to 
22.23 	$1,750,000 the second year are for grants to 
22.24 	facilitate the development of urban agriculture, 
22.25 	including projects related to youth education, 
22.26 	community and economic development, 
22.27 	value-added processing, and vocational 
22.28 	training;
22.29 	(7) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
22.30 	the second year are for the food retail 
22.31 	improvement and development program under 
22.32 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.1017;
22.33 	(8) up to $200,000 the first year and up to 
22.34 	$200,000 the second year are for cooperative 
23.1 	development grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
23.2 	section 17.1016;
23.3 	(9) $250,000 the first year and $150,000 the 
23.4 	second year are for the protecting livestock 
23.5 	grant program for producers to support the 
23.6 	installation of measures to prevent the 
23.7 	transmission of avian influenza. For the 
23.8 	appropriation in this clause, a grant applicant 
23.9 	must document a cost-share of 20 percent. An 
23.10 	applicant's cost-share amount may be reduced 
23.11 	up to $2,000 to cover time and labor costs. 
23.12 	This is a onetime appropriation; and
23.13 	(10) up to $525,000 the first year and up to 
23.14 	$525,000 the second year are to award AGRI 
23.15 	Works grants to institutions and organizations 
23.16 	to provide regional and statewide services. 
23.17 	Preference shall be given to legislatively 
23.18 	created entities and organizations that enhance 
23.19 	agricultural, horticultural, or rural community 
23.20 	and economic development, marketing, and 
23.21 	promotion, and research and education. A 
23.22 	grant award under this clause must not exceed 
23.23 	$200,000. Grants made under this paragraph 
23.24 	are subject to the requirements in Minnesota 
23.25 	Statutes, sections 16B.98 and 16B.981. This 
23.26 	is a onetime appropriation.
23.27 	(h) (i) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
23.28 	section 16A.28, the appropriation in paragraph 
23.29 	(e) (f) does not cancel at the end of the second 
23.30 	year and is available until June 30, 2029. 
23.31 	Appropriations encumbered under contract on 
23.32 	or before June 30, 2029, for agricultural 
23.33 	growth, research, and innovation grants are 
23.34 	available until June 30, 2032. At the end of 
23.35 	fiscal year 2027, the commissioner must 
24.1 	prioritize any money resulting from canceled 
24.2 	contracts to be used for AGRI Works grants 
24.3 	under paragraph (g) (h), clause (10).

24.4 	Sec. 5. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws 
24.5 	2025, First Special Session chapter 11, section 12, is amended to read:

24.6
24.7	Subd. 4.Administration and Financial 
Assistance
 		14,179,000
		11,145,000
9,895,000
	
24.8 	(a) $474,000 the first year and $474,000 the 
24.9 	second year are for payments to county and 
24.10 	district agricultural societies and associations 
24.11 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, 
24.12 	subdivision 1. Aid payments to county and 
24.13 	district agricultural societies and associations 
24.14 	must be disbursed no later than July 15 each 
24.15 	year. These payments are the amount of aid 
24.16 	from the state for an annual fair held in the 
24.17 	previous calendar year.
24.18 	(b) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
24.19 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
24.20 	Agricultural Education and Leadership 
24.21 	Council for programs of the council under 
24.22 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D. The base for 
24.23 	this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal year 
24.24 	2028 and each year thereafter.
24.25 	(c) $1,250,000 the first year and $1,250,000 
24.26 	the second year are is to award and administer 
24.27 	farm down payment assistance grants under 
24.28 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.133, with 
24.29 	priority given to eligible applicants with no 
24.30 	more than $100,000 in annual gross farm 
24.31 	product sales and eligible applicants who are 
24.32 	producers of industrial hemp, cannabis, or one 
24.33 	or more of the following specialty crops as 
24.34 	defined by the United States Department of 
25.1 	Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop 
25.2 	block grant program: fruits and vegetables, 
25.3 	tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, 
25.4 	culinary herbs and spices, horticulture crops, 
25.5 	floriculture crops, and nursery crops. 
25.6 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
25.7 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
25.8 	of the first year does not cancel and is 
25.9 	available in the second year and appropriations 
25.10 	encumbered under contract by June 30, 2027, 
25.11 	are available and any unencumbered balance 
25.12 	at the end of the second year does not cancel 
25.13 	and is available until June 30, 2029. The base 
25.14 	for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal 
25.15 	year 2028 and each year thereafter.
25.16 	(d) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
25.17 	the second year are for the purchase of milk 
25.18 	for distribution to Minnesota's food shelves 
25.19 	and other charitable organizations that are 
25.20 	eligible to receive food from the food banks. 
25.21 	Milk purchased with grant money must be 
25.22 	acquired from Minnesota milk processors and 
25.23 	based on low-cost bids. The milk must be 
25.24 	allocated to each Feeding America food bank 
25.25 	serving Minnesota according to the formula 
25.26 	used in the distribution of United States 
25.27 	Department of Agriculture commodities under 
25.28 	The Emergency Food Assistance Program. 
25.29 	The commissioner may enter into contracts or 
25.30 	agreements with food banks for shared funding 
25.31 	or reimbursement of the direct purchase of 
25.32 	milk. Each food bank that receives funding 
25.33 	under this paragraph may use up to two 
25.34 	percent for administrative expenses. 
25.35 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
25.36 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance the first 
26.1 	year does not cancel and is available the 
26.2 	second year.
26.3 	(e) $260,000 the first year and $260,000 the 
26.4 	second year are for a pass-through grant to 
26.5 	Region Five Development Commission to 
26.6 	provide, in collaboration with Farm Business 
26.7 	Management, statewide mental health 
26.8 	counseling support to Minnesota farm 
26.9 	operators, families, and employees, and 
26.10 	individuals who work with Minnesota farmers 
26.11 	in a professional capacity. Region Five 
26.12 	Development Commission may use up to 7.5 
26.13 	percent of the grant awarded under this 
26.14 	paragraph for administration.
26.15 	(f) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
26.16 	the second year are is to expand the Emerging 
26.17 	Farmers Office and provide services to 
26.18 	beginning and emerging farmers to increase 
26.19 	connections between farmers and market 
26.20 	opportunities throughout the state. This 
26.21 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
26.22 	translation services, training programs, or 
26.23 	other purposes in line with the 
26.24 	recommendations of the emerging farmer 
26.25 	working group established under Minnesota 
26.26 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1.
26.27 	(g) $137,000 the first year and $203,000 the 
26.28 	second year are to support current services.
26.29 	(h) $337,000 the first year and $337,000 the 
26.30 	second year are for farm advocate services. 
26.31 	Of these amounts, $50,000 the first year and 
26.32 	$50,000 the second year are for the 
26.33 	continuation of the farmland transition 
26.34 	programs and may be used for grants to 
26.35 	farmland access teams to provide technical 
27.1 	assistance to potential beginning farmers. 
27.2 	Farmland access teams must assist existing 
27.3 	farmers and beginning farmers with 
27.4 	transitioning farm ownership and farm 
27.5 	operation. Services provided by teams may 
27.6 	include but are not limited to mediation 
27.7 	assistance, designing contracts, financial 
27.8 	planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and 
27.9 	housing assistance.
27.10 	(i) $3,000,000 the first year is for transfer to 
27.11 	the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to 
27.12 	First District Association to acquire land for 
27.13 	and to design, engineer, construct, equip, and 
27.14 	furnish a wastewater treatment project. This 
27.15 	appropriation is in addition to the 
27.16 	appropriation in Laws 2023, chapter 71, article 
27.17 	1, section 15, subdivision 7. This appropriation 
27.18 	is available until the project is completed or 
27.19 	abandoned, subject to Minnesota Statutes, 
27.20 	section 16A.642.
27.21 	(k) (j) $50,000 the first year is to be awarded 
27.22 	as a grant in a competitive bid process to an 
27.23 	entity that is not a for-profit entity to conduct 
27.24 	a study of market and workforce factors that 
27.25 	may contribute to the incorrect marking for 
27.26 	the installation of underground 
27.27 	telecommunications infrastructure that is 
27.28 	located within ten feet of existing underground 
27.29 	utilities or that crosses the existing 
27.30 	underground utilities. The study must include 
27.31 	recommendations to the legislature and be 
27.32 	submitted to the chairs and ranking minority 
27.33 	members of the legislative committees and 
27.34 	divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture 
27.35 	policy and finance by June 1, 2027.
28.1 	(r) (k) $50,000 the first year is to conduct a 
28.2 	study and develop recommendations for 
28.3 	establishing an incentive-based program to 
28.4 	support and encourage agricultural retailers 
28.5 	in promoting 4R nutrient management 
28.6 	practices. The 4R nutrient management 
28.7 	practices include: the right source of nutrients, 
28.8 	at the right rate and right time, in the right 
28.9 	place.
28.10 	(1) As part of the study, the department must 
28.11 	evaluate strategies for leveraging cost-share 
28.12 	programs, including the feasibility of 
28.13 	coordinating with the Agricultural Water 
28.14 	Quality Certification Program and other efforts 
28.15 	related to the state's Nutrient Reduction 
28.16 	Strategy.
28.17 	(2) The commissioner must submit a report 
28.18 	detailing its findings, including potential 
28.19 	funding sources and proposal outlines for 
28.20 	funding requests where appropriate. The 
28.21 	commissioner must submit the report to the 
28.22 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
28.23 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
28.24 	agriculture and environment by March 15, 
28.25 	2026.
28.26 	(l) $1,250,000 the second year is to award and 
28.27 	administer farm down payment assistance 
28.28 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
28.29 	17.133, with priority given to eligible 
28.30 	applicants with annual gross farm product 
28.31 	sales between $1,000 and $100,000. Of this 
28.32 	appropriation, up to 50 percent may be 
28.33 	awarded by lottery to priority applicants who 
28.34 	possess a purchase agreement as of June 30, 
28.35 	2026. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
29.1 	section 16A.28, any unencumbered balance 
29.2 	at the end of the second year does not cancel 
29.3 	and is available until June 30, 2030. The base 
29.4 	for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal 
29.5 	year 2028 and each year thereafter.
29.6 	(s) (m) The commissioner shall continue to 
29.7 	increase connections with ethnic minority and 
29.8 	immigrant farmers to farming opportunities 
29.9 	and farming programs throughout the state.

29.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

29.11 	ARTICLE 2
29.12 	AGRICULTURE POLICY

29.13 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.1017, subdivision 9, is amended 
29.14 	to read:
29.15 		Subd. 9.Legislative report. The commissioner, in cooperation with any economic or 
29.16 	community development financial institution and any other entity with which it contracts, 
29.17 	shall submit an annualthe report onunder section 41A.12, subdivision 3, that includes 
29.18 	metrics of the food retail improvement and development program by January 15 of each 
29.19 	year to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate 
29.20 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance. The annual
29.21 	report shall include, but not be limited to, a summary of the following metrics:
29.22 	(1) the number and types of projects financed;
29.23 	(2) the amount of dollars leveraged or matched per project;
29.24 	(3) the geographic distribution of financed projects;
29.25 	(4) the number and types of technical assistance recipients;
29.26 	(5) the demographics of the areas served;
29.27 	(6) the costs of the program;
29.28 	(7) the number of SNAP dollars spent;
29.29 	(8) any increase in retail square footage;
29.30 	(9) the number of loans or grants to businesses owned by women and Black, Indigenous, 
29.31 	or Persons of Color; and
30.1 	(10) measurable economic and health outcomes, including, but not limited to, increases 
30.2 	in sales and consumption of locally sourced and other fresh fruits and vegetables, the number 
30.3 	of construction and retail jobs retained or created, and any health initiatives associated with 
30.4 	the program.

30.5 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.133, subdivision 1, is amended 
30.6 	to read:
30.7 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
30.8 	the meanings given.
30.9 	(b) "Eligible farmer" means an individual who at the time that the grant is awarded:
30.10 	(1) is a resident of Minnesota who intends to acquire farmland located within the state 
30.11 	and provide the majority of the day-to-day physical labor and management of the farm;
30.12 	(2) grosses no more than $250,000 per year from the sale of farm products;
30.13 	(3) has earned at least $1,000 in farm income or has evidence of farming experience;
30.14 	(4) has a net worth that does not exceed the limit under section 41B.03, subdivision 3, 
30.15 	paragraph (a), clause (2);
30.16 	(3) (5) has not, and whose spouse has not, at any time had a direct or indirect ownership 
30.17 	interest in farmland; and
30.18 	(4) (6) is not, and whose spouse is not, a family member of the owner of the farmland 
30.19 	that the individual intends to acquire. "Family member" has the meaning given in section 
30.20 	267(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
30.21 	(c) "Evidence of farming experience" means that an individual has:
30.22 	(1) completed an approved farm business management program;
30.23 	(2) a four-year degree in an agriculture-related field; or
30.24 	(3) at least three years of experience managing a comparable farm.
30.25 	(c) (d) "Farm down payment" means an initial, partial payment required by a lender or 
30.26 	seller to purchase farmland.
30.27 	(d) (e) "Incubator farm" means a farm where:
30.28 	(1) individuals are given temporary, exclusive, and affordable access to small parcels 
30.29 	of land, infrastructure, and often training, for the purpose of honing skills and launching a 
30.30 	farm business; and
31.1 	(2) a majority of the individuals farming the small parcels of land grow industrial hemp, 
31.2 	cannabis, or one or more of the following specialty crops as defined by the United States 
31.3 	Department of Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop block grant program: fruits 
31.4 	and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, culinary herbs and spices, horticulture 
31.5 	crops, floriculture crops, and nursery crops.
31.6 	(e) (f) "Limited land access" means farming without ownership of land and:
31.7 	(1) the individual or the individual's child rents or leases the land, with the term of each 
31.8 	rental or lease agreement not exceeding three years in duration, from a person who is not 
31.9 	related to the individual or the individual's spouse by blood or marriage; or
31.10 	(2) the individual rents the land from an incubator farm.
31.11 	(f) (g) "Limited market access" means the individual has gross sales of no more than 
31.12 	$100,000 per year from the sale of farm products.

31.13 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

31.14 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.133, subdivision 2, is amended 
31.15 	to read:
31.16 		Subd. 2.Grants. The commissioner may award farm down payment assistance grants 
31.17 	of up to 30 percent of the purchase price of a farm, with a maximum grant of $20,000 per 
31.18 	eligible farmer. Each award must be matched with at least $8,000 of other funding. Grants 
31.19 	under this subdivision may be awarded by a randomized selection process after applications 
31.20 	are collected over a period of no less than 30 calendar days. An eligible farmer must commit 
31.21 	to own and farm the land purchased with assistance provided under this section for at least 
31.22 	five years. For the first five years, each recipient must verify gross farm income of at least 
31.23 	$1,000 or demonstrate investment of at least $1,000 in farm business infrastructure, 
31.24 	equipment, perennial crops, or livestock. For each year that a grant recipient does not own 
31.25 	and farm the land during the five-year period, the grant recipient must pay a penalty to the 
31.26 	commissioner equal to 20 percent of the grant amount.

31.27 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

31.28 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 17.458, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
31.29 		Subdivision 1.Definition. "Agroforestry" means the intentional integration of trees and 
31.30 	shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create a more sustainable, diverse, and 
31.31 	productive land-use system. Agroforestry includes the cultivation of short-rotation woody 
31.32 	crops using agricultural practices to produce timber or forest products.

32.1 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 17.81, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
32.2 	read:
32.3 		Subd. 4a.Agrivoltaic system. "Agrivoltaic system" means the simultaneous integration 
32.4 	of farming, as defined in section 41C.02, subdivision 10, and solar energy generation on 
32.5 	the same land.

32.6 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
32.7 	read:
32.8 		Subd. 3b.Cultivated variety or cultivar. "Cultivated variety" or "cultivar" means a 
32.9 	named plant variety that is clonally propagated to maintain genetic uniformity.

32.10 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
32.11 	read:
32.12 		Subd. 11a.Plant variety. "Plant variety" means a more precisely defined group of plants, 
32.13 	selected from within a species, with a common set of characteristics.

32.14 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
32.15 	read:
32.16 		Subd. 11b.Propagate. "Propagate" means to cause or continue to increase by sexual or 
32.17 	asexual reproduction. Propagate includes but is not limited to germination by seed; 
32.18 	regeneration of vegetative parts such as roots, stems, or leaves; and the removal of plants 
32.19 	from one location and replanting at another location.

32.20 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
32.21 		Subd. 12.Propagating parts. "Propagating parts" means all plant parts, including seeds,
32.22 	that are capable of producing new plants.

32.23 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
32.24 	read:
32.25 		Subd. 18.Reasonable grounds. "Reasonable grounds" means a report, a complaint, 
32.26 	direct observation, or circumstantial evidence, such as the nearby presence of noxious weeds, 
32.27 	a history of noxious weed infestation, or other evidence from which a reasonable person 
32.28 	acting in good faith might infer the presence of noxious weeds.

33.1 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.771, is amended to read:
33.2 	18.771 NOXIOUS WEED CATEGORIES.
33.3 		Subdivision 1.Noxious weed categories. (a) For purposes of designation under section 
33.4 	18.79, subdivision 13, noxious weed category means each of the following categories:
33.5 	(1) the prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds category;
33.6 	(2) the prohibited-control noxious weeds category;
33.7 	(3) the restricted noxious weeds category;
33.8 	(4) the specially regulated plants category; and
33.9 	(5) the county noxious weeds category.
33.10 	(b) The "prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds" category includes noxious weeds that 
33.11 	must be eradicated on all lands within the state. Transportation of the propagating parts of 
33.12 	prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds is prohibited except as allowed under section 18.82. 
33.13 	Prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds mayand their propagating parts must not be imported 
33.14 	into Minnesota or sold or, propagated, or transported in Minnesota, except as allowed under 
33.15 	section 18.82. Noxious weeds that are designated as prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds 
33.16 	and placed on the prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds list are plants that are not currently 
33.17 	known to be present in Minnesota or are not widely established in the state. All 
33.18 	prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds must be eradicated.
33.19 	(c) The "prohibited-control noxious weeds" category includes noxious weeds that must 
33.20 	be controlled on all lands within the state. Transportation of the propagating parts of 
33.21 	prohibited-control noxious weeds is prohibited Prohibited-control noxious weeds and their 
33.22 	propagating parts must not be imported into Minnesota or sold, propagated, or transported 
33.23 	in Minnesota, except as allowed under section 18.82. Prohibited-control noxious weeds 
33.24 	may not be propagated or sold in Minnesota. Noxious weeds that are designated as 
33.25 	prohibited-control noxious weeds and placed on the prohibited-control noxious weeds list 
33.26 	are plants that are already established throughout the state or regions of the state. At a 
33.27 	minimum, these species must be controlled in a way that prevents spread of these species 
33.28 	by seed or vegetative means.
33.29 	(d) The "restricted noxious weeds" category includes noxious weeds and their propagating 
33.30 	parts that may must not be imported, into Minnesota or sold, propagated, or transported in 
33.31 	the state, except as allowed by permit under section 18.82. Noxious weeds that are designated 
33.32 	as restricted and placed on the restricted list may be plants that are widely distributed in 
33.33 	Minnesota and for which a requirement of eradication or control would not be feasible on 
34.1 	a statewide basis using existing practices. The commissioner may establish a nursery 
34.2 	production phase-out period for species that will be designated as restricted.
34.3 	(e) The "specially regulated plants" category includes noxious weeds that may be native 
34.4 	species or nonnative species that have demonstrated economic value clearly defined benefits, 
34.5 	but also have the potential to cause harm in noncontrolled environments. Plants designated 
34.6 	as specially regulated have been determined to pose ecological, economical, or human or 
34.7 	animal health concerns. Species-specific management plans or rules that define the use and 
34.8 	management requirements for these plants must be developed by the commissioner of 
34.9 	agriculture for each plant designated as specially regulated. The commissioner must also 
34.10 	take measures to minimize the potential for harm caused by these plants.
34.11 	(f) The "county noxious weeds" category includes noxious weeds that are designated 
34.12 	by individual county boards to be enforced as prohibited noxious weeds within the county's 
34.13 	jurisdiction and must be approved by the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with 
34.14 	the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. Each county board must submit newly proposed 
34.15 	county noxious weeds to the commissioner of agriculture for review. Approved county 
34.16 	noxious weeds shall must also be posted with the county's general weed notice prior to May 
34.17 	15 each year. Counties are solely responsible for developing county noxious weed lists and 
34.18 	their enforcement.
34.19 		Subd. 2.Exemptions. The commissioner may designate a specific plant variety, including 
34.20 	a cultivated variety, as exempt from subdivision 1 if the commissioner finds that, based on 
34.21 	credible and sufficient documentation, the variety is bred for low seeding, the variety is 
34.22 	sterile, or, for reasons other than low seeding or sterility, the variety has low invasive 
34.23 	potential.

34.24 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.79, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
34.25 		Subd. 2.Authorized agents. County agricultural inspectors may administer and enforce 
34.26 	sections 18.76 to 18.91. A county-designated employee may enforce sections 18.78, 18.82, 
34.27 	18.83, 18.84, 18.86, and 18.87. A county must make the identity of a county-designated 
34.28 	employee described by this subdivision available to the public. County agricultural inspectors, 
34.29 	county-designated employees, local weed inspectors, and assistant weed inspectors are 
34.30 	authorized agents of the commissioner for their jurisdictions. A county agricultural inspector 
34.31 	or a county-designated employee must be responsible for the duties and enforcement of 
34.32 	sections 18.78 and 18.81 to 18.87. A county must make the identity of a county agricultural 
34.33 	inspector or county-designated employee available to the public. A local weed inspector or 
34.34 	the inspector's assistant must be responsible for the duties and enforcement of sections 
35.1 	18.78, subdivision 1; 18.81, subdivision 2; 18.82 to 18.84; 18.86; and, for a municipality, 
35.2 	18.87.

35.3 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 18.79, subdivision 3, is amended 
35.4 	to read:
35.5 		Subd. 3.Entry upon land. To administer and enforce sections 18.76 to 18.91, an 
35.6 	inspector or county-designated employee shall must contact a landowner through direct 
35.7 	communication prior to entering upon the land for a noxious weed inspection. If a landowner 
35.8 	cannot be contacted, an inspector or county-designated employee may enter upon land 
35.9 	without consent of the owner and without being subject to an action for trespass or any 
35.10 	damages. For the purposes of this subdivision, "direct communication" may include contact 
35.11 	with the landowner through an in-person visit, phone call, voice mail, text message, mail, 
35.12 	or email. A landowner cannot must not refuse an inspector or county-designated employee 
35.13 	having probable cause to conduct an inspection for noxious weeds who has reasonable 
35.14 	grounds, as defined in section 18.77, subdivision 18, to believe that noxious weeds may be 
35.15 	present on their lands. Within five business days of a completed inspection, the inspector 
35.16 	or county-designated employee shall must provide the landowner with a copy of the 
35.17 	inspection report, including further actions if applicable.

35.18 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.81, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
35.19 		Subd. 3.Nonperformance by inspectors; reimbursement for expenses. If local weed 
35.20 	inspectors neglect or fail to do their duty as prescribed in this section, the county agricultural 
35.21 	inspector or county-designated employee, in consultation with the commissioner, may issue 
35.22 	a notice to the inspector providing instructions on how and when to do their duty. If, after 
35.23 	the time allowed in the notice, the local weed inspector has not complied as directed, the 
35.24 	county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee may consult with the 
35.25 	commissioner county attorney or county board to perform the duty for the local weed 
35.26 	inspector. A claim for the expense of doing the local weed inspector's duty is a legal charge 
35.27 	against the municipality in which the inspector has jurisdiction. The county agricultural 
35.28 	inspector or county-designated employee overseeing the work may file an itemized statement 
35.29 	of costs with the clerk of the municipality in which the work was performed. The municipality 
35.30 	shall must immediately issue proper warrants to the county for the work performed. If the 
35.31 	municipality fails to issue the warrants, the county auditor may include the amount contained 
35.32 	in the itemized statement of costs as part of the next annual tax levy in the municipality and 
35.33 	withhold that amount from the municipality in making its next apportionment.

36.1 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.82, is amended to read:
36.2 	18.82 TRANSPORTATION OR POSSESSION OF NOXIOUS WEED 
36.3 	PROPAGATING PARTS.
36.4 		Subdivision 1.Permits required. Transporting noxious weed propagating parts without 
36.5 	a permit on public roads in the state or possessing noxious weed propagating parts in the 
36.6 	state without a permit is prohibited, except as provided in section 21.74.
36.7 		Subd. 1a.Permits. (a) If a person wants to transport noxious weed propagating parts 
36.8 	along on a public roadway road, including materials or equipment containing the propagating 
36.9 	parts of noxious weeds, the person must secure a written permit for transportation from the 
36.10 	commissioner, an inspector, or a county-designated employee. Inspectors or 
36.11 	county-designated employees may issue permits to persons residing or operating within 
36.12 	their jurisdiction. A permit is not required for the transport of noxious weeds for the purpose 
36.13 	of destroying propagating parts at an appropriate disposal site. Anyone transporting noxious 
36.14 	weed propagating parts for the purpose of disposal at an appropriate disposal site shall must
36.15 	ensure that all materials are contained in a manner that prevents escape during transport 
36.16 	and complies with section 115A.931.
36.17 	(b) A person must obtain a permit from the commissioner before possessing noxious 
36.18 	weeds with propagating parts for research, education and outreach, or other reasons approved 
36.19 	by the commissioner.
36.20 		Subd. 2.Conditions of permit issuance. The following conditions must be met before 
36.21 	a permit under subdivision 1 may be issued: Any person requesting a permit under 
36.22 	subdivision 1a must provide the following information in writing to the commissioner, an 
36.23 	inspector, or a county-designated employee for a specific jurisdiction before the 
36.24 	commissioner, inspector, or county-designated employee issues a permit under this section:
36.25 	(1) any material or equipment containing noxious weed propagating parts that is about 
36.26 	to be transported along a public roadway must be in a container that is sufficiently tight and 
36.27 	closed or otherwise covered to prevent the blowing or scattering of the material along the 
36.28 	highway or on other lands or water;
36.29 	(2) the destination for unloading and the use of the material or equipment containing 
36.30 	noxious weed propagating parts must be stated on the permit along with the method that 
36.31 	will be used to destroy the viability of the propagating parts and thereby prevent the material 
36.32 	being dumped or scattered upon land or water; and
37.1 	(3) the applicant for a permit for possession of noxious weed propagating parts must 
37.2 	agree to follow the guidelines listed on the permit by the inspector.
37.3 	(1) a description of the process that the person will use to ensure that the exterior of any 
37.4 	vehicle or equipment being used for transportation is free from noxious weed materials and 
37.5 	their propagating parts;
37.6 	(2) a description of the manner in which the person will securely contain noxious weed 
37.7 	materials and their propagating parts to prevent the escape of noxious weed materials and 
37.8 	their propagating parts during transport in compliance with section 115A.931;
37.9 	(3) a description of the specific locations where research will occur and a description of 
37.10 	how the location is designed to prevent the escape of noxious weed materials and their 
37.11 	propagating parts;
37.12 	(4) a description of the established processes that the person will use to monitor and 
37.13 	protect research locations from the escape of noxious weed materials and their propagating 
37.14 	parts during research and after the research has been completed;
37.15 	(5) a description of the purpose of using noxious weed materials, such as a description 
37.16 	of how the noxious weed materials will be used for education and outreach, and how 
37.17 	containers holding the materials will be designed to prevent the escape of the noxious weed 
37.18 	materials and their propagating parts;
37.19 	(6) a description of the process for destroying noxious weed materials and their 
37.20 	propagating parts after the completion of use according to the permit;
37.21 	(7) a description of the location where noxious weed materials and their propagating 
37.22 	parts will be destroyed after the completion of use according to the permit; and
37.23 	(8) any specific information required by the commissioner.
37.24 		Subd. 3.Duration of permit; inspection; revocation. A permit under subdivision 1 1a
37.25 	is valid for up to one year after the date it is issued unless otherwise specified by the 
37.26 	commissioner, inspector, or county-designated employee issuing the permit. Any person 
37.27 	receiving a permit must allow inspection by the issuing authority to ensure that all permit 
37.28 	requirements are met. The permit may be revoked if an the commissioner, inspector, or 
37.29 	county-designated employee determines that the applicant has not complied with this section.

37.30 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.83, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
37.31 		Subd. 3.Appeal of individual notice; appeal committee. (1) (a) A recipient of an 
37.32 	individual notice may appeal, in writing, the order for control or eradication of noxious 
38.1 	weeds. This appeal must be filed with a member of the appeal committee in the county 
38.2 	where the land is located within two working days of the time the notice is received. The 
38.3 	committee must inspect the land specified in the notice and report back to the recipient and 
38.4 	the inspector or county-designated employee who issued the notice within five working 
38.5 	days, either agreeing with, disagreeing with, or revising the order. The decision may be 
38.6 	appealed in district court. If the committee agrees with or revises the order, the control or 
38.7 	eradication specified in the order, as approved or revised by the committee, may be carried 
38.8 	out.
38.9 	(2) (b) The county board shall must appoint members of the appeal committee. The 
38.10 	membership must include a county commissioner or municipal official and a landowner 
38.11 	residing in the county. The expenses of the members may be reimbursed by the county upon 
38.12 	submission of an itemized statement to the county auditor. At its option, the county board, 
38.13 	by resolution, may delegate the duties of the appeal committee to its board of adjustment 
38.14 	established pursuant to section 394.27. When carrying out the duties of the appeal committee, 
38.15 	the zoning board of adjustment shall must comply with all of the procedural requirements 
38.16 	of this section.

38.17 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.86, is amended to read:
38.18 	18.86 UNLAWFUL ACTS.
38.19 	No person may:
38.20 	(1) hinder or obstruct in any way an inspector or county-designated employee in the 
38.21 	performance of duties under sections 18.76 to 18.91 or related rules;
38.22 	(2) neglect, fail, or refuse to comply with section 18.82or related rules in the 
38.23 	transportation and use of material or equipment infested with noxious weed propagating 
38.24 	parts;
38.25 	(3) sell material containing noxious weed propagating parts to a person who does not 
38.26 	have a permit to transport that material or to a person who does not have a screenings permit 
38.27 	issued in accordance with section 21.74; or
38.28 	(4) neglect, fail, or refuse to comply with a general notice or an individual notice to 
38.29 	control or eradicate noxious weeds.

39.1 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.91, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
39.2 		Subd. 2.Membership. The commissioner shall must appoint and approve members, 
39.3 	which shall include who have successfully completed the application process with the 
39.4 	secretary of state, including representatives from the following:
39.5 	(1) the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota;
39.6 	(2) the Department of Agronomy at the University of Minnesota;
39.7 	(3) the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota;
39.8 	(4) the nursery and landscape industry in Minnesota;
39.9 	(5) the seed industry in Minnesota;
39.10 	(6) the Department of Agriculture;
39.11 	(7) the Department of Natural Resources;
39.12 	(8) a conservation organization;
39.13 	(9) an environmental organization;
39.14 	(10) at least two farm organizations;
39.15 	(11) the county agricultural inspectors;
39.16 	(12) city governments;
39.17 	(13) township governments;
39.18 	(14) county governments;
39.19 	(15) the Department of Transportation;
39.20 	(16) the University of Minnesota Extension;
39.21 	(17) the timber and forestry industry in Minnesota;
39.22 	(18) the Board of Water and Soil Resources;
39.23 	(19) soil and water conservation districts;
39.24 	(20) the Minnesota Association of County Land Commissioners; and
39.25 	(21) other members as needed.

40.1 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, is amended by adding a subdivision 
40.2 	to read:
40.3 		Subd. 1d.Active ingredient. "Active ingredient" means an ingredient present in a 
40.4 	fertilizer, soil amendment, plant amendment, or beneficial substance that is a plant nutrient 
40.5 	or a soil or plant amending ingredient.

40.6 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
40.7 		Subd. 6.Compost. "Compost" is a biologically stable material derived from the 
40.8 	composting process has the meaning given in section 18C.132, subdivision 1.

40.9 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
40.10 		Subd. 6a.Composting. "Composting" is the biological decomposition of organic matter. 
40.11 	It is accomplished by mixing and piling in such a way as to promote aerobic or anaerobic 
40.12 	decay or both. The process inhibits pathogens, viable weed seeds, and odors has the meaning 
40.13 	given in section 18C.132, subdivision 2.

40.14 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, is amended by adding a subdivision 
40.15 	to read:
40.16 		Subd. 15b.Inert ingredient. "Inert ingredient" means an ingredient that is not an active 
40.17 	ingredient in a specialty fertilizer, soil amendment, plant amendment, or beneficial substance.

40.18 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, subdivision 25, is amended to read:
40.19 		Subd. 25.Plant amendment. "Plant amendment" means a substance applied to plants 
40.20 	or seeds that is intended to improve germination, growth, yield, product quality, reproduction, 
40.21 	flavor, or other desirable characteristics of plants, including beneficial substances and plant 
40.22 	biostimulants, except fertilizers, soil amendments, agricultural liming materials, pesticides, 
40.23 	and other materials that are exempted by rule.

40.24 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, is amended by adding a subdivision 
40.25 	to read:
40.26 		Subd. 25a.Plant biostimulant. "Plant biostimulant" means a substance, microorganism, 
40.27 	or mixture thereof that, when applied to seeds, plants, the rhizosphere, soil, or other growth 
40.28 	media, supports a plant's natural nutrition processes independently of the biostimulant's 
40.29 	nutrient content and improves nutrient availability, uptake, or use efficiency; tolerance to 
40.30 	abiotic stress; and consequent growth, development, quality, or yield.

41.1 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.005, subdivision 33, is amended to read:
41.2 		Subd. 33.Soil amendment. "Soil amendment" means a substance intended to improve 
41.3 	the structural, physical, chemical, biochemical, or biological characteristics of the soil or 
41.4 	modify organic matter at or near the soil surface, including beneficial substances, except 
41.5 	fertilizers, agricultural liming materials, pesticides, and other materials exempted by the 
41.6 	commissioner's rules.

41.7 	Sec. 26. [18C.132] COMPOST AND COMPOSTING.
41.8 		Subdivision 1.Compost. "Compost" is the product manufactured through the controlled 
41.9 	aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The product has undergone 
41.10 	mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, which significantly reduces the viability of 
41.11 	pathogens and weed seeds and stabilizes the carbon such that it is beneficial to plant growth. 
41.12 	Compost is typically used as a soil amendment but may also contribute plant nutrients.
41.13 		Subd. 2.Composting. "Composting" is the biological decomposition of organic matter. 
41.14 	Composting is accomplished by mixing and piling in such a way as to promote aerobic or 
41.15 	anaerobic decay, or both. Composting is a process that inhibits pathogens, viable weed 
41.16 	seeds, and odors.

41.17 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.211, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
41.18 		Subd. 4.Guaranteed analysis of soil or plant amendment or beneficial substance. The 
41.19 	guaranteed analysis of a soil amendment or, plant amendment, or beneficial substance must 
41.20 	be an accurate statement of composition including the percentages of each active ingredient. 
41.21 	If the product is a microbiological product, the number of viable microorganisms per milliliter 
41.22 	for a liquid or, the number of viable microorganisms per gram, or any other acceptable units
41.23 	for a dry product must also be listed.

41.24 	Sec. 28. [18C.217] SOIL AMENDMENT, PLANT AMENDMENT, AND 
41.25 	BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCE LABELING.
41.26 	(a) A person may not sell or distribute a soil amendment, plant amendment, or beneficial 
41.27 	substance in bags or other containers in this state unless a label is placed on or affixed to 
41.28 	the bag or container stating in a clear, legible, and conspicuous form the following 
41.29 	information:
41.30 	(1) the product name;
41.31 	(2) the net weight or net volume expressed in imperial and metric measurements;
42.1 	(3) the name and address of the guarantor and registrant;
42.2 	(4) a statement identifying the purpose of the product;
42.3 	(5) directions for use; and
42.4 	(6) the guaranteed analysis of each active ingredient.
42.5 	(b) If the soil amendment, plant amendment, or beneficial substance contains 
42.6 	mircroorganisms, the label must include an expiration date and recommended storage 
42.7 	conditions.
42.8 	(c) The label is not required to list inert ingredients.
42.9 	(d) A person selling or distributing a bulk shipment of soil amendments, plant 
42.10 	amendments, or beneficial substances to a singular, end consumer may provide the purchaser 
42.11 	with a single printed form with the information required in paragraphs (a) and (b) instead 
42.12 	of placing or affixing a label on the bulk bag or container.

42.13 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18C.411, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
42.14 		Subd. 2.Application. The application for registration must include:
42.15 	(1) for specialty fertilizers:
42.16 	(i) the name and address of the guarantor and registrant;
42.17 	(ii) the brand and grade;
42.18 	(iii) the guaranteed analysis as required by section 18C.211;
42.19 	(iv) the sources from which nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other elements or 
42.20 	materials are derived; and
42.21 	(v) the amount and formulas of inert ingredients; and
42.22 	(2) for soil amendments and plant amendments:
42.23 	(i) the name and address of the guarantor and registrant;
42.24 	(ii) the brand name;
42.25 	(iii) the sources from which the ingredients used in the product are derived; and
42.26 	(iv) the guaranteed analysis as required by section 18C.211.; and
42.27 	(v) a certificate of composition that describes the amount and formulas of each inert 
42.28 	ingredient and beneficial substance included in the formula.

43.1 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.01, is amended to read:
43.2 	18J.01 DEFINITIONS.
43.3 	(a) The definitions in this section; chapters 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, and 232; and 
43.4 	sections 18G.02, 18H.02, 18K.02, 27.01, 223.16, 231.01, and 232.21 21.111 to 21.125 and 
43.5 	21.80 to 21.92 apply to this chapter.
43.6 	(b) For purposes of this chapter, "associated rules" means rules adopted under this 
43.7 	chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or sections 21.111 to 21.125 and 
43.8 	21.80 to 21.92.

43.9 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.02, is amended to read:
43.10 	18J.02 DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.
43.11 	The commissioner shall administer and enforce this chapter, chapters 18G, 18H, 18K, 
43.12 	27, 223, 231, and 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125, and 21.80 to 21.92; and associated rules.

43.13 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.03, is amended to read:
43.14 	18J.03 CIVIL LIABILITY.
43.15 	A person regulated by this chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or 
43.16 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92, is civilly liable for any violation of one of those 
43.17 	statutes or associated rules by the person's employee or agent.

43.18 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
43.19 		Subdivision 1.Access and entry. The commissioner, upon presentation of official 
43.20 	department credentials, must be granted immediate access at reasonable times to sites where 
43.21 	a person manufactures, distributes, uses, handles, disposes of, stores, or transports seeds, 
43.22 	plants, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving 
43.23 	products or other objects regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
43.24 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.

43.25 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
43.26 		Subd. 2.Purpose of entry. (a) The commissioner may enter sites for:
43.27 	(1) inspection of inventory and equipment for the manufacture, storage, handling, 
43.28 	distribution, disposal, or any other process regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 
43.29 	231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
44.1 	(2) sampling of sites, seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general 
44.2 	merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving objects that are manufactured, stored, 
44.3 	distributed, handled, or disposed of at those sites and regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 
44.4 	18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
44.5 	(3) inspection of records related to the manufacture, distribution, storage, handling, or 
44.6 	disposal of seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, 
44.7 	or other living or nonliving objects regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, 
44.8 	or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
44.9 	(4) investigating compliance with chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 
44.10 	21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules; or
44.11 	(5) other purposes necessary to implement chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
44.12 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.
44.13 	(b) The commissioner may enter any public or private premises during or after regular 
44.14 	business hours without notice of inspection when a suspected violation of chapter 18G, 
44.15 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
44.16 	rules may threaten public health or the environment.

44.17 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
44.18 		Subd. 3.Notice of inspection samples and analyses. (a) The commissioner shall provide 
44.19 	the owner, operator, or agent in charge with a receipt describing any samples obtained. If 
44.20 	requested, the commissioner shall split any samples obtained and provide them to the owner, 
44.21 	operator, or agent in charge. If an analysis is made of the samples, a copy of the results of 
44.22 	the analysis must be furnished to the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days 
44.23 	after an analysis has been performed. If an analysis is not performed, the commissioner 
44.24 	must notify the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days of the decision not to 
44.25 	perform the analysis.
44.26 	(b) The sampling and analysis must be done according to methods provided for under 
44.27 	applicable provisions of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 
44.28 	21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules. In cases not covered by those sections and 
44.29 	methods or in cases where methods are available in which improved applicability has been 
44.30 	demonstrated the commissioner may adopt appropriate methods from other sources.

45.1 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
45.2 		Subd. 4.Inspection requests by others. (a) A person who believes that a violation of 
45.3 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
45.4 	or associated rules has occurred may request an inspection by giving notice to the 
45.5 	commissioner of the violation. The notice must be in writing, state with reasonable 
45.6 	particularity the grounds for the notice, and be signed by the person making the request.
45.7 	(b) If after receiving a notice of violation the commissioner reasonably believes that a 
45.8 	violation has occurred, the commissioner shall make a special inspection in accordance with 
45.9 	the provisions of this section as soon as practicable, to determine if a violation has occurred.
45.10 	(c) An inspection conducted pursuant to a notice under this subdivision may cover an 
45.11 	entire site and is not limited to the portion of the site specified in the notice. If the 
45.12 	commissioner determines that reasonable grounds to believe that a violation occurred do 
45.13 	not exist, the commissioner must notify the person making the request in writing of the 
45.14 	determination.

45.15 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
45.16 		Subdivision 1.Enforcement required. (a) A violation of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 
45.17 	223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or an associated rule is a 
45.18 	violation of this chapter.
45.19 	(b) Upon the request of the commissioner, county attorneys, sheriffs, and other officers 
45.20 	having authority in the enforcement of the general criminal laws must take action to the 
45.21 	extent of their authority necessary or proper for the enforcement of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 
45.22 	27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules or 
45.23 	valid orders, standards, stipulations, and agreements of the commissioner.

45.24 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
45.25 		Subd. 2.Commissioner's discretion. If minor violations of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 
45.26 	27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules occur 
45.27 	or the commissioner believes the public interest will be best served by a suitable notice of 
45.28 	warning in writing, this section does not require the commissioner to:
45.29 	(1) report the violation for prosecution;
45.30 	(2) institute seizure proceedings; or
45.31 	(3) issue a withdrawal from distribution, stop-sale, or other order.

46.1 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
46.2 		Subd. 6.Agent for service of process. All persons licensed, permitted, registered, or 
46.3 	certified under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 
46.4 	21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules must appoint the commissioner as the agent upon whom 
46.5 	all legal process may be served and service upon the commissioner is deemed to be service 
46.6 	on the licensee, permittee, registrant, or certified person.

46.7 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.06, is amended to read:
46.8 	18J.06 FALSE STATEMENT OR RECORD.
46.9 	A person must not knowingly make or offer a false statement, record, or other information 
46.10 	as part of:
46.11 	(1) an application for registration, license, certification, or permit under chapter 18G, 
46.12 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
46.13 	rules;
46.14 	(2) records or reports required under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
46.15 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules; or
46.16 	(3) an investigation of a violation of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
46.17 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.

46.18 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
46.19 		Subd. 3.Cancellation of registration, permit, license, certification. The commissioner 
46.20 	may cancel or revoke a registration, permit, license, or certification provided for under 
46.21 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
46.22 	or associated rules or refuse to register, permit, license, or certify under provisions of chapter 
46.23 	18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or 
46.24 	associated rules if the registrant, permittee, licensee, or certified person has used fraudulent 
46.25 	or deceptive practices in the evasion or attempted evasion of a provision of chapter 18G, 
46.26 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
46.27 	rules.

46.28 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
46.29 		Subd. 4.Service of order or notice. (a) If a person is not available for service of an 
46.30 	order, the commissioner may attach the order to the facility, site, seed or seed container, 
46.31 	plant or other living or nonliving object regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 
47.1 	231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules and notify the 
47.2 	owner, custodian, other responsible party, or registrant.
47.3 	(b) The seed, seed container, plant, or other living or nonliving object regulated under 
47.4 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
47.5 	or associated rules may not be sold, used, tampered with, or removed until released under 
47.6 	conditions specified by the commissioner, by an administrative law judge, or by a court.

47.7 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
47.8 		Subd. 5.Unsatisfied judgments. (a) An applicant for a license, permit, registration, or 
47.9 	certification under provisions of this chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
47.10 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules may not allow a final 
47.11 	judgment against the applicant for damages arising from a violation of those statutes or 
47.12 	rules to remain unsatisfied for a period of more than 30 days.
47.13 	(b) Failure to satisfy, within 30 days, a final judgment resulting from a violation of this 
47.14 	chapter results in automatic suspension of the license, permit, registration, or certification.

47.15 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.09, is amended to read:
47.16 	18J.09 CREDITING OF PENALTIES, FEES, AND COSTS.
47.17 	Penalties, cost reimbursements, fees, and other money collected under this chapter must 
47.18 	be deposited into the state treasury and credited to the appropriate nursery and phytosanitary
47.19 	account under section 18H.17, industrial hemp account under section 18K.07, or seed potato 
47.20 	inspection account under section 21.115, seed inspection account under section 21.92, or 
47.21 	grain buyers and storage account under sections 223.17 and 232.22.

47.22 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.02, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
47.23 		Subd. 5.Processing. "Processing" means rendering by refinement hemp plants or hemp 
47.24 	plant parts from their natural or original state after harvest. Processing includes but is not 
47.25 	limited to decortication, devitalization, chopping, crushing, extraction of plant substances 
47.26 	other than cannabinoids, and packaging pressing. Processing does not include typical farm 
47.27 	operations such as sorting, grading, baling, and harvesting. Processing does not include 
47.28 	extraction of cannabinoids or the production of artificially derived cannabinoids as defined 
47.29 	in section 342.01, subdivision 6.

48.1 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
48.2 		Subd. 6.Processing location. "Processing location" means any area, building, plant, or 
48.3 	facility registered with and approved by the commissioner in which a licensee converts raw 
48.4 	industrial hemp into a marketable product.

48.5 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
48.6 		Subdivision 1.Requirement; issuance; presumption. (a) A person must obtain a license 
48.7 	from the commissioner before (1) growing industrial hemp, (2) processing industrial hemp, 
48.8 	or (3) researching industrial hemp.
48.9 	(b) To obtain a license under paragraph (a), a person must apply to the commissioner 
48.10 	in the form prescribed by the commissioner and must pay the annual registration and 
48.11 	inspection fee established by the commissioner in accordance with section 16A.1285, 
48.12 	subdivision 2.
48.13 	(c) For a license to grow or process industrial hemp, the license application must include 
48.14 	the name and address of the applicant and the legal description of the land area or areas 
48.15 	where industrial hemp will be grown or processed by the applicant and any other information 
48.16 	required under Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, part 990.
48.17 	(d) For a license to process industrial hemp, the license application must include the 
48.18 	name and address of the applicant, the legal description of the processing location, and any 
48.19 	other information required by the commissioner.
48.20 	(e)(d) A licensee is responsible for compliance with the license requirements irrespective 
48.21 	of the acts or omissions of an authorized representative acting on behalf of the licensee.
48.22 	(f)(e) When an applicant has paid the fee and completed the application process to the 
48.23 	satisfaction of the commissioner, the commissioner must issue a license which is valid until 
48.24 	December 31 of the year of application.
48.25 	(g)(f) A person licensed under paragraph (a) to grow industrial hemp is presumed to be 
48.26 	growing industrial hemp for commercial or research purposes.

48.27 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.111, is amended to read:
48.28 	21.111 DEFINITIONS.
48.29 		Subdivision 1.Scope. When used in sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125 the terms defined 
48.30 	in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them.
49.1 		Subd. 2.Inspected. "Inspected" means that the potato plants are examined in the field 
49.2 	and that the harvested potatoes produced by the potato plants are examined by or under the 
49.3 	authority of the commissioner. For seed potatoes produced in a lab, inspected means that 
49.4 	the lab's records, including records related to the lab's procedures and protocols, as well as 
49.5 	the seed potatoes, have been examined under the authority of the commissioner.
49.6 		Subd. 3.Certified. "Certified" means that the potatoes were have been inspected while 
49.7 	growing in the field and, when possible, again after being harvested, and were thereafter 
49.8 	duly certified by or under the authority of the commissioner, as provided the potatoes meet 
49.9 	the requirements in sections 21.111 to 21.122, and as provided by rules adopted and published 
49.10 	by the commissioner 21.125. For seed potatoes produced in a lab an indoor facility or 
49.11 	greenhouse, certified means that:
49.12 	(1) the seed potato lab facilities,and the lab's procedures, and protocols have been 
49.13 	examined under the authority of the commissioner; and.
49.14 	(2) the seed potatoes have been inspected after they have been harvested, removed, or 
49.15 	released from the lab, and were duly certified by or under the authority of the commissioner, 
49.16 	as provided in sections 21.111 to 21.122.
49.17 		Subd. 3a.Interstate cooperation. In order to best use state resources, the commissioner 
49.18 	may enter into agreements with other seed potato certification entities to carry out the 
49.19 	purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122. Any agreement may provide for field inspections, 
49.20 	shipping point inspections, winter tests, and other certification functions to be carried out 
49.21 	by personnel employed by either entity according to methods determined by the certification 
49.22 	entities of the respective areas. The commissioner may extend seed potato certification 
49.23 	services to states where growers wish to grow certified seed potatoes and the state does not 
49.24 	have a seed potato certification program. Any agreement must be reported to the chairs of 
49.25 	the legislative committees responsible for the budget or policy of the seed potato inspection 
49.26 	program and to the commissioner of management and budget.
49.27 		Subd. 3b.Certified seed potatoes. "Certified seed potatoes" means potatoes that have 
49.28 	been produced, graded, sacked or placed in bulk, inspected, and certified in accordance with 
49.29 	this chapter.
49.30 		Subd. 3c.Class. "Class" means the seed quality level related to compliance with 
49.31 	tolerances for diseases and varietal purity.
49.32 		Subd. 3d.Clone. "Clone" means a unit of seed potatoes that is the progeny of one plant, 
49.33 	which has been tested to become eligible to produce Generation 1 class seed potatoes.
50.1 		Subd. 3e.Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture or 
50.2 	the commissioner's designee.
50.3 		Subd. 3f.Crop. "Crop" means all lots produced on a farm in one year.
50.4 		Subd. 3g.Department. "Department" means the Department of Agriculture.
50.5 		Subd. 3h.Explant. "Explant" means an in vitro potato plant or a plantlet that is produced 
50.6 	by rooting an excised tip of a tuber sprout or an axillary bud from a growing plant and that 
50.7 	serves as a parent for a whole clone or accession of micropropagated plants or plantlets.
50.8 		Subd. 3i.Farm. "Farm" means a potato-growing enterprise. Farm includes all land, 
50.9 	equipment, storage facilities, and laborers used to produce potatoes.
50.10 		Subd. 3j.Field. "Field" means a plot of land on a farm where potatoes are grown.
50.11 		Subd. 3k.Inspected. (a) For plants growing in a field, "inspected" means that the 
50.12 	commissioner has examined the plants in the field where the plants are grown and has 
50.13 	visually assessed the plants for disease and factors impacting quality.
50.14 	(b) For harvested potatoes, inspected means that the commissioner has observed the 
50.15 	tubers and, when requested, the commissioner has evaluated the tubers for quality and 
50.16 	conditions described in section 21.125.
50.17 	(c) For seed potatoes produced in a facility or greenhouse, inspected means that the 
50.18 	commissioner has examined the seed potatoes and the facility's records, including records 
50.19 	related to the facility's procedures and protocols.
50.20 		Subd. 3l.Lot. "Lot" means a group of seed potatoes of one variety, planted in one 
50.21 	continuous plot, grown on the same farm, and physically separated from other lots while 
50.22 	being grown and stored.
50.23 		Subd. 3m.Material in maintenance. "Material in maintenance" means propagative 
50.24 	material, plantlets, or tubers that are maintained, not multiplied, under controlled laboratory 
50.25 	conditions.
50.26 		Subd. 3n.Roguing. "Roguing" is the process of removing infected plants from a field 
50.27 	of certified seed potatoes.
50.28 		Subd. 3o.Stand. "Stand" is the live plant population in a certified seed potato lot.
50.29 		Subd. 5.Seed potatoes. "Seed potatoes" means potatoes used, sold, offered or exposed 
50.30 	for sale, or held with intent to sell or as a sample representing any lot or stock of potatoes 
50.31 	offered or exposed for sale or held with intent to sell within this state, for the purpose of 
50.32 	planting.
51.1 		Subd. 6.Person. "Person" includes an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a company, 
51.2 	a society, an association, and firms a firm.
51.3 		Subd. 7.Physically separated. "Physically separated" means separated by at least the 
51.4 	width of one row and markings such as flags at every corner of the lot.
51.5 		Subd. 8.Rejected. "Rejected" means that a field or lot fails to meet the certification 
51.6 	standards in this chapter.
51.7 		Subd. 9.Tuber units. "Tuber units" means the separate pieces of one tuber that are 
51.8 	planted consecutively in two or more hills in a row.
51.9 		Subd. 10.Winter testing. "Winter testing" means growing out and visually inspecting 
51.10 	a representative sample of tubers from each seed lot for stand, vigor, varietal purity, and 
51.11 	disease.

51.12 	Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.112, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
51.13 	read:
51.14 		Subd. 1a.Interstate cooperation. In order to best use state resources, the commissioner 
51.15 	may enter into agreements with other seed potato certification entities to carry out the 
51.16 	purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.125. An agreement under this subdivision may provide 
51.17 	for field inspections, shipping point inspections, winter testing, and other certification 
51.18 	functions to be carried out by personnel employed by either the commissioner or other seed 
51.19 	potato certification entities according to methods determined by the seed potato certification 
51.20 	entities. The commissioner may extend seed potato certification services to a state where 
51.21 	growers wish to grow certified seed potatoes and where the state does not have a seed potato 
51.22 	certification program. Any agreement under this subdivision must be reported to the chairs 
51.23 	and ranking minority members of the legislative committees responsible for the budget or 
51.24 	policy of the seed potato inspection program and to the commissioner of management and 
51.25 	budget.

51.26 	Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.113, is amended to read:
51.27 	21.113 SHIPPING POINT CERTIFICATES OF INSPECTION; CERTIFICATES 
51.28 	OF ORIGIN; AND BULK CERTIFICATES.
51.29 		Subdivision 1.Shipping point inspections. (a) The commissioner shall issue shipping 
51.30 	point certificates of inspection only when seed potatoes have been inspected while growing 
51.31 	in the field and again after being harvested.
52.1 	(b) For seed potatoes produced in a lab, the commissioner shall issue certificates of 
52.2 	inspection only after:
52.3 	(1) the seed potato lab facility and the lab's records have been inspected; and
52.4 	(2) the seed potatoes have been inspected after they have been harvested, removed, or 
52.5 	released from the lab.
52.6 	(c) (b) Certificates of inspection under this section shall show the varietal purity and the 
52.7 	freedom from disease and physical injury of such potatoes and any other information as 
52.8 	may be prescribed by rules adopted and published under sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125.
52.9 		Subd. 2.Other certificates. (a) The use of a certificate of origin requires the approval 
52.10 	of the seller and the purchaser and must only be used for intrastate shipments between 
52.11 	certified seed potato producers. The certificate of origin must contain information considered 
52.12 	necessary by the commissioner and must at a minimum identify the producer, receiver, 
52.13 	variety, classification, quantity, date of shipment, and lot of the seed potatoes. The limitation 
52.14 	of warranty as described in paragraph (c) must not include any representation of the condition 
52.15 	of the potatoes at the time of shipment. A certificate of origin must only be used for intrastate 
52.16 	shipment if a shipping point inspection is not available. Use of a certificate of origin must 
52.17 	be approved by the commissioner prior to shipment.
52.18 	(b) A bulk certificate must include the date of issuance, class, grade, lot number, and 
52.19 	approximate weight of the load.
52.20 	(c) A certification does not represent a warranty of any kind, express or implied, including 
52.21 	merchantability, as to the quality of the crop produced from the certified seed potatoes. A 
52.22 	certification must only represent that the seed potatoes were produced, graded, sacked or 
52.23 	placed in bulk, and inspected in accordance with this chapter. A certification under this 
52.24 	subdivision must not include any representation of the condition of the potatoes at the time 
52.25 	of shipment.

52.26 	Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.115, is amended to read:
52.27 	21.115 FEES; SEED POTATO INSPECTION ACCOUNT.
52.28 	The commissioner shall fix the fees for all inspections and certifications in such amounts 
52.29 	as from time to time may be found necessary to pay the expenses of carrying out and 
52.30 	enforcing the purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125, with a reasonable reserve, and 
52.31 	shall require the same to be paid before such inspections or certifications are made. All 
52.32 	moneys collected as fees or as penalties for violations of any of the provisions of such 
52.33 	sections shall be paid into the agricultural fund and credited to the seed potato inspection 
53.1 	account of the commissioner, which account is hereby created and appropriated for carrying 
53.2 	out the purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125. Interest, if any, received on deposits 
53.3 	of these moneys shall be credited to the account, and there shall be paid into this fund any 
53.4 	sum provided by the legislature for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of such 
53.5 	sections.

53.6 	Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.117, is amended to read:
53.7 	21.117 APPLICATIONS FOR INSPECTIONS; WITHDRAWALS; 
53.8 	AMENDMENTS.
53.9 	(a) Any person may make application to the commissioner for inspection or certification 
53.10 	of seed potatoes growing or to be grown. Upon receiving such application and the required 
53.11 	fee and such other information as may be required, the commissioner shall cause such 
53.12 	potatoes to be inspected or certified in accordance with the provisions of sections 21.111 
53.13 	to 21.122 and the rules adopted and published thereunder 21.125.
53.14 	(b) If a grower wishes to withdraw a field or lab an application after having made a 
53.15 	timely application for inspection and such withdrawal is requested before the field or lab
53.16 	facility inspection has been made, the fee paid shall be refunded to said grower. A grower 
53.17 	must submit a withdrawal request in writing and include a reason for withdrawal. A grower 
53.18 	must remove withdrawn acres from production before the first field inspection.
53.19 	(c) If a grower wishes to amend an application after submitting a timely application for 
53.20 	inspection, the grower must submit the request in writing, including a reason for the 
53.21 	amendment.

53.22 	Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.119, is amended to read:
53.23 	21.119 USE OF CERTAIN TERMS FORBIDDEN; EXCEPTIONS.
53.24 	It shall be unlawful to use or employ the term "certified" or the term "inspected," or any 
53.25 	term or terms conveying a meaning substantially equivalent to the meaning of either of 
53.26 	these terms, either orally or in writing, printing, marking, or otherwise in reference to or in 
53.27 	connection with, or in advertising or characterizing or labeling seed potatoes or the containers 
53.28 	thereof, unless such potatoes shall have been duly inspected and certified pursuant to the 
53.29 	provisions of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125.

54.1 	Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.1195, is amended to read:
54.2 	21.1195 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PLANTING.
54.3 	(a) Seed potatoes may not be planted in the state in lots of totaling ten or more acres 
54.4 	unless the seed meets the minimum disease standards prescribed by the commissioner. Seed 
54.5 	potatoes may meet the standards by being certified in accordance with this chapter and rules 
54.6 	adopted by the commissioner, or under the certification program of another state or province 
54.7 	which, in the judgment of the commissioner, provides equivalent assurances of seed potato 
54.8 	quality. Seed potatoes may be planted without certification if they have had at least field 
54.9 	inspection as required for certified seed potatoes, have passed the field inspection standards 
54.10 	of disease tolerance, and are free from ring rot. A person that plants seed potatoes in violation 
54.11 	of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $20 per acre for each acre or part of an acre 
54.12 	planted in violation of this section. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records in 
54.13 	accordance with this section or rules adopted by the commissioner is an additional violation 
54.14 	resulting in a separate civil penalty of $200 for each failure is a violation and subject to 
54.15 	enforcement under chapter 18J.
54.16 	(b) If there is not available to be planted in this state, in any year, a sufficient volume 
54.17 	of potato seed meeting certified seed potato disease standards, in any or all varieties, the 
54.18 	commissioner may, upon application by one or more growers, permit seed that does not 
54.19 	comply with this section to be planted for that growing season if the seed does not pose a 
54.20 	serious disease threat.
54.21 	(c) Each grower shall keep records of each lot of seed potatoes planted. For each growing 
54.22 	season, the records must include, by field, the variety, planting location, number of acres 
54.23 	planted, and source of the seed potatoes. Each grower shall register fields and file records 
54.24 	as prescribed by the commissioner. All records must be made available for inspection by 
54.25 	the commissioner or the commissioner's agents during normal business hours.
54.26 	(d) In addition to the enforcement powers and penalties in this section, the commissioner 
54.27 	may issue a subpoena to a grower in order to compel delivery of records which are required 
54.28 	under this section. These subpoenas are enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction.

54.29 	Sec. 55. [21.123] SEED POTATO CERTIFICATION.
54.30 		Subdivision 1.Eligibility. In order to produce certified seed potatoes, a grower must 
54.31 	comply with the following requirements:
54.32 	(1) a grower must ensure that potatoes meet the tolerances prescribed by this chapter 
54.33 	and the potatoes have been inspected by the commissioner while growing in a field;
55.1 	(2) a grower must ensure that all potatoes planted on the grower's farm have been entered 
55.2 	for certification by the commissioner;
55.3 	(3) a grower must ensure that each lot is grown while physically separated from other 
55.4 	lots. Markers must be visible to a person from any position in the field;
55.5 	(4) a grower must submit an application for certification before June 16 each year on 
55.6 	forms provided by the commissioner. The commissioner must charge a ten percent late 
55.7 	registration fee to a grower who submitted an application postmarked after June 15 and 
55.8 	before July 1. The commissioner may extend the deadline due to special circumstances, 
55.9 	such as a natural disaster, that make it impractical or impossible for planting to be completed 
55.10 	by the deadline and that affect an area or large number of growers. A grower must make a 
55.11 	request for an extension in writing before June 16;
55.12 	(5) an application for certification must include a North American Health Certificate 
55.13 	and a shipping point certificate, bulk seed certificate, or certificate of origin. The 
55.14 	commissioner may accept an incomplete application for certification;
55.15 	(6) an application for certification must demonstrate that the seed potatoes being entered 
55.16 	for certification originated from a class system in Minnesota or another state or province 
55.17 	under the supervision of another certifying agency; and
55.18 	(7) a grower must comply with sections 21.111 to 21.125. A grower's violation of sections 
55.19 	21.111 to 21.125 is cause for the commissioner to reject the grower's field or lot. A grower 
55.20 	must not sell or label potatoes as certified seed potatoes when the potatoes were grown in 
55.21 	a rejected field or lot.
55.22 		Subd. 2.Certification process. (a) As part of the certification process, the commissioner 
55.23 	must visually inspect sample plants from each field and lot belonging to the grower, except 
55.24 	that the commissioner is not required to visually inspect sample plants and tubers when 
55.25 	certifying prenuclear class potatoes.
55.26 	(b) For seed potato varieties that do not exhibit visible symptoms of a specific pathogen, 
55.27 	the commissioner must subject the seed potatoes to laboratory tests to determine the level 
55.28 	of a pathogen in a seed lot. Testing under this paragraph may occur during the growing 
55.29 	season, the storage season, or winter testing.
55.30 	(c) The commissioner may not accept an application for certification from a grower in 
55.31 	a community or county without sufficient acreage for total inspection fee charges to cover 
55.32 	the cost of wages and expenses of the commissioner to complete an inspection. The 
56.1 	commissioner may make a determination of sufficient acreage under this paragraph before 
56.2 	conducting an inspection as part of the certification process.
56.3 	(d) The commissioner must not inspect a field for certification unless both the planted 
56.4 	seed potato variety and the particular planted lot have been authorized by the commissioner. 
56.5 	When considering the authorization of a particular seed potato variety for planting as certified 
56.6 	seed potatoes, the commissioner must consider scientific evidence and the expert opinions 
56.7 	of inspectors.
56.8 	(e) The following classes of seed potatoes are eligible for planting as certified seed 
56.9 	potatoes: Prenuclear (PN), Generation 1 (G1), Generation 2 (G2), Generation 3 (G3), 
56.10 	Generation 4 (G4), Generation 5 (G5), and experimental class seed potatoes. The 
56.11 	commissioner may authorize the planting of Certified (C) class or Generation 6 (G6) class 
56.12 	seed potatoes if the commissioner determines that the seeds do not pose a serious threat of 
56.13 	disease to the public.
56.14 		Subd. 3.Bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid. If the commissioner finds 
56.15 	the presence of bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid in a field or lot, the 
56.16 	commissioner must reject the entire field or lot. If the commissioner discovers a single plant 
56.17 	in a field or a tuber in storage that is infected with bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber 
56.18 	viroid, the commissioner must reject the entire field or lot where the plant was grown. If 
56.19 	the commissioner has not found bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid in a field 
56.20 	or lot, the field or lot is not necessarily free from either disease.
56.21 		Subd. 4.Winter testing. (a) In order to detect certain virus diseases, the commissioner 
56.22 	must conduct winter testing of a sample from each class seeking eligibility for recertification, 
56.23 	except PN and experimental classes. The commissioner must grow out and visually inspect 
56.24 	a representative sample of tubers from each seed lot for stand, vigor, varietal purity, and 
56.25 	disease. If, during a visual inspection, a plant shows signs of potato virus Y or potato leafroll 
56.26 	virus, or if the plant is of a variety that does not express visual symptoms of infection, the 
56.27 	commissioner must ensure that a sample of the plant is lab tested for potato virus Y and 
56.28 	potato leafroll virus. The commissioner must determine whether a field or lot contains the 
56.29 	threshold amount of disease permitted under section 21.124, subdivision 9. The commissioner 
56.30 	must include any lot that passes winter testing in the approved list of certified seed lots 
56.31 	eligible for recertification.
56.32 	(b) If the commissioner determines that a winter test of a lot or field has a serious 
56.33 	malfunction, the commissioner must base classification of the lot or field on summer field 
56.34 	readings from the previous year or lab testing.
57.1 	(c) Instead of winter testing a sample, the commissioner may accept comprehensive lab 
57.2 	testing if the commissioner determines that special circumstances exist, such as a natural 
57.3 	disaster, that would make submission of samples for inclusion in winter testing impractical 
57.4 	or impossible.
57.5 	(d) The commissioner must reject a field or lot if the commissioner determines that a 
57.6 	large number of plants are missing from the field or lot due to disease.
57.7 	(e) The commissioner must reject a field or lot if the commissioner determines that the 
57.8 	field or lot contains a large number of weak plants.
57.9 	(f) The commissioner may reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a large number 
57.10 	of plants that have a mixture of variety.
57.11 		Subd. 5.Seed potato certification classes. Seed potato certification classes must be 
57.12 	differentiated by the potatoes' compliance with disease tolerances, varietal purity, and seed 
57.13 	origin. Seed potato certification classes are: Prenuclear (PN), Generation 1 (G1), Generation 
57.14 	2 (G2), Generation 3 (G3), Generation 4 (G4), Generation 5 (G5), Generation 6 (G6), and 
57.15 	Certified (C).
57.16 		Subd. 6.Experimental status. (a) Lots from a breeder's seed that have not been tested 
57.17 	and have not been determined to be virus-free are considered experimental. The commissioner 
57.18 	must designate seedlings or numbered selections in experimental status as a class and 
57.19 	determine requirements of that class.
57.20 	(b) To obtain experimental status under this subdivision, an applicant must submit a 
57.21 	written statement from the seedlings' or numbered selections' breeder, originator, or 
57.22 	originator's designee verifying that the applicant has full and unrestricted rights to introduce 
57.23 	the seedlings or numbered selections into the commercial market and that the applicant may 
57.24 	apply to enter the seedlings or numbered selections into the certification system. The written 
57.25 	statement must accompany the certification application submitted by the applicant.
57.26 	(c) After reviewing the applicant's written statement and certification application, the 
57.27 	commissioner may designate seedlings or numbered selections described in the application 
57.28 	as having experimental status.
57.29 	(d) After an applicant is notified by the commissioner that the seedlings or numbered 
57.30 	selections have experimental status, the applicant must ensure that the seedlings or numbered 
57.31 	selections are tagged with the word "EXPERIMENTAL."
57.32 		Subd. 7.Protected varieties. If an applicant seeks to enter a seed potato variety protected 
57.33 	under the Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994 into the certification system, 
58.1 	the applicant must submit a written statement from the breeder, originator, or originator's 
58.2 	designee that the applicant has full and unrestricted rights to introduce the protected variety 
58.3 	into the certification system. The applicant must ensure that the written statement 
58.4 	accompanies the certification application for any protected seed potato variety.
58.5 		Subd. 8.Certification factors; field inspection. (a) The commissioner must consider 
58.6 	the following factors when conducting a field inspection pursuant to a certification 
58.7 	application:
58.8 	(1) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if a large number of plants are missing 
58.9 	due to disease;
58.10 	(2) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a large number 
58.11 	of weak plants;
58.12 	(3) the commissioner must inspect a field or lot for bacterial ring rot.  The commissioner 
58.13 	must reject a field or lot if the commissioner finds the presence of bacterial ring rot.  If 
58.14 	bacterial ring rot is present in a field or lot, the remaining crop is not eligible for certification 
58.15 	planting;
58.16 	(4) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains potatoes with 
58.17 	a level of disease higher than the acceptable tolerance for the disease for the potatoes' seed 
58.18 	potato certification class according to section 21.124, subdivision 9;
58.19 	(5) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a percentage 
58.20 	of diseased plants that exceeds the acceptable percentage of disease listed in section 21.124 
58.21 	for the seed potato certification class;
58.22 	(6) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if any of the following are present in the 
58.23 	field or lot to such an extent that the commissioner is unable to complete a satisfactory 
58.24 	inspection for diseases: early or late blight, blackleg or wilt of any kind, weeds, plant injury 
58.25 	from insects, or chemical damage; and
58.26 	(7) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if any other conditions are present to such 
58.27 	an extent that the commissioner is unable to make a satisfactory inspection for diseases.
58.28 	(b) The commissioner must determine that a field is ineligible for certification if cull 
58.29 	piles are in such close vicinity to the field that it is likely that the field is contaminated.
58.30 	(c) The commissioner must make at least two field inspections of a field during the 
58.31 	growing season. The commissioner must conduct a final inspection of a field for bacterial 
58.32 	ring rot during the time of year that symptoms of bacterial ring rot are most likely to be 
58.33 	observed. If the commissioner is unable to conduct a final inspection under this paragraph 
59.1 	due to management practices of the grower or for a reason that is out of the grower's control, 
59.2 	such as a natural disaster, the grower must ensure that laboratory testing is conducted to 
59.3 	maintain eligibility for certification. An additional inspection or additional laboratory testing 
59.4 	may be necessary to meet phytosanitary requirements in established markets in another state 
59.5 	or in a Canadian province.
59.6 		Subd. 9.Roguing. If any of the diseases listed in section 21.124, subdivision 1, are 
59.7 	present in a field in amounts greater than the maximum disease tolerance level, the grower 
59.8 	must rogue the field and remove the infected plants before the final inspection by the 
59.9 	commissioner. If a grower has completed roguing a field after tubers have formed, the 
59.10 	grower must remove and destroy all tubers from rogued plants.
59.11 		Subd. 10.Storage. (a) A grower must ensure that a lot is stored under conditions that 
59.12 	prevent disease contamination. A grower must not store a lot in any warehouse where other 
59.13 	potatoes are stored, unless the grower labels the lot according to paragraph (b).
59.14 	(b) If more than one grower stores lots in the same warehouse, each grower must identify 
59.15 	the grower's lots by labeling the bin containing the lot with the grower's name, the grower's 
59.16 	address, the variety of potatoes in the bin, and the number of potatoes in the bin.
59.17 	(c) If a grower plans to store a lot in a public warehouse or storage unit that is not directly 
59.18 	under the grower's control, the grower must send a complete record of storage to the 
59.19 	commissioner prior to storing the lot.  The record must include the address and location of 
59.20 	the public warehouse or storage unit, the variety of potatoes in each bin, and the number of 
59.21 	potatoes in each bin. If a warehouse receipt for the lot is available, the grower must submit 
59.22 	a copy of the warehouse receipt to the commissioner. If more than one grower stores lots 
59.23 	in the same public warehouse or storage unit, the grower must label each lot according to 
59.24 	paragraph (b).
59.25 	(d) A grower must not use the same equipment for grading and handling lots of certified 
59.26 	seed potatoes and other potatoes. If a grower has used the same equipment for grading and 
59.27 	handling certified seed potatoes and other potatoes, the commissioner must reject the grower's 
59.28 	lots.
59.29 	(e) A firm that handles lots under contract must label each bin containing a lot with the 
59.30 	name of the grower whose lots are being stored. A firm handling lots under contract must 
59.31 	properly label and handle bins containing lots. A certification tag or bulk certificate must 
59.32 	not be issued unless all bins are properly labeled according to this paragraph.
59.33 	(f) By November 1 of each crop year, a grower must submit to the commissioner a 
59.34 	completed storage and yield report for each lot on a form prescribed by the commissioner. 
60.1 	The commissioner may extend the deadline after November 1 due to special circumstances, 
60.2 	such as a natural disaster, that would make it impractical or impossible for a grower to 
60.3 	complete harvesting and storage by November 1 and that affect an area or a large number 
60.4 	of growers. A grower must submit a written request for an extension to the commissioner 
60.5 	before November 1 of the crop year for which the extension is sought.
60.6 		Subd. 11.Tags; bulk certificates. (a) Once the commissioner has informed a grower 
60.7 	that the grower's potatoes meet the certification requirements in sections 21.111 to 21.125, 
60.8 	a grower may tag the potatoes using an approved tag indicating the grade of potatoes as 
60.9 	blue-tag-certified seed potato grade, yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade, or 
60.10 	white-tag-certified seed potato grade. A grower's name, the city where the farm is located, 
60.11 	the potato variety, and the crop year must be printed on a tag under this subdivision.
60.12 	(b) When fastening a tag to a potato sack, a grower must fasten the tag to the sack to 
60.13 	form a seal at the time that the lot or shipment is prepared.
60.14 	(c) A bulk certificate must include the date that the certificate was issued, class, grade, 
60.15 	lot number, shipping point certificate number, and approximate weight of the lot.
60.16 	(d) Only the person who grew the potatoes may order or print tags for the potatoes once 
60.17 	the commissioner has informed the person that the potatoes meet certification requirements 
60.18 	under sections 21.111 to 21.125.
60.19 	(e) A grower may print a tag for potatoes if the grower has provided proof of each lot 
60.20 	to the commissioner for review before using the tag. A tag printed by a grower must contain 
60.21 	the following statement: "The quality and condition of each lot is only confirmed through 
60.22 	a shipping point inspection certificate. This tag, without an accompanying shipping point 
60.23 	inspection certificate, is not proof that the potatoes contained within have been duly 
60.24 	inspected."
60.25 		Subd. 12.Certified seed potato grades. Certified seed potatoes must be classified by 
60.26 	certified seed potato grades based on the number of physical defects of tubers. A grower 
60.27 	must only use a certified seed potato grade for potatoes after a shipping point inspection of 
60.28 	the potatoes has been completed. The following three grades of certified seed potatoes must 
60.29 	be used for Minnesota-certified seed potatoes:
60.30 	(1) the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade is the first grade of certified seed potatoes. 
60.31 	The blue-tag-certified seed potato grade is stricter than other grades. The blue-tag-certified 
60.32 	seed potato grade does not allow as many physical defects of tubers as other grades. A 
60.33 	grower may use the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate shipments 
60.34 	of certified seed potatoes;
61.1 	(2) the yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade is the second grade of certified seed 
61.2 	potatoes. The yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade allows more physical defects of tubers 
61.3 	than the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade. A grower may use the yellow-tag-certified 
61.4 	seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate shipments of certified seed potatoes; and
61.5 	(3) the white-tag-certified seed potato grade is the third grade of certified seed potatoes. 
61.6 	The number of physical defects that the white-tag-certified seed potato grade allows is 
61.7 	determined by an agreement between the purchaser and seller of the certified seed potatoes. 
61.8 	A grower may use the white-tag-certified seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate 
61.9 	shipments of certified seed potatoes.
61.10 		Subd. 13.Grading. (a) A grower must ensure that a lot is inspected at the shipping point 
61.11 	if the lot requires a grade statement.
61.12 	(b) If an inspection at the shipping point is impossible, a grower must request a grading 
61.13 	inspection in transit.
61.14 	(c) A grower must ensure that a bagged lot or shipment offered for sale and tagged with 
61.15 	approved certification tags is contained in new even-weight sacks.
61.16 	(d) A grower must ensure that a bulk shipment is identified with a bulk certificate.
61.17 	(e) A grower must ensure that a bagged lot and bulk lot or shipment meets grade standards 
61.18 	in section 21.125.
61.19 	(f) A grower must recondition a lot or shipment that fails to meet the grade standards in 
61.20 	section 21.125.
61.21 	(g) If a lot or shipment fails to meet grade standards and is contained in sacks, a grower 
61.22 	must remove approved certification tags from the lot or shipment before the lot or shipment 
61.23 	may proceed to its destination.
61.24 	(h) If a shipment is in bulk and fails to meet grade standards in section 21.125, a bulk 
61.25 	certificate must not be issued.
61.26 	(i) If a lot or shipment fails to meet grade standards, the shipper must bear the costs of 
61.27 	reconditioning potatoes to meet the grade standards in section 21.125.

61.28 	Sec. 56. [21.124] REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT 
61.29 	CLASSES OF CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES.
61.30 		Subdivision 1.Prenuclear class certified seed potatoes.  (a) A lot grown as and intended 
61.31 	to be prenuclear class certified seed potatoes must be grown from plants tested and shown 
61.32 	to be free from the following pathogens:
62.1 	(1) Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus (ring rot);
62.2 	(2) Pectobacterium atrosepticum ssp. Atrosepticum, carotovora (blackleg);
62.3 	(3) potato virus X;
62.4 	(4) potato virus S;
62.5 	(5) potato virus A;
62.6 	(6) potato virus M;
62.7 	(7) potato virus Y;
62.8 	(8) potato spindle tuber viroid; and
62.9 	(9) potato leafroll virus.
62.10 	(b) When growing prenuclear class seed potatoes, a grower must ensure that each explant 
62.11 	or tuber is tested for organisms for which testing is required by the state or province of 
62.12 	destination. A grower must ensure that material in maintenance is tested during the year of 
62.13 	producing prenuclear class seed potatoes.
62.14 	(c) A grower must produce prenuclear class seed potatoes in a greenhouse, facility, or 
62.15 	screenhouse under sanitary conditions, free from insects and weeds that can harbor or 
62.16 	transmit potato diseases or other conditions that would allow possible disease contamination. 
62.17 	A grower must ensure that a facility used for growing prenuclear seed potatoes is sufficiently 
62.18 	insulated from insects by screens and double doors.  The commissioner may inspect any 
62.19 	facility or equipment used for growing, handling, and storing prenuclear class seed potatoes 
62.20 	to verify that the facility or equipment complies with this paragraph.
62.21 	(d) A grower must ensure that one percent of each lot or ten plants or tubers from each 
62.22 	lot, whichever is greater, is tested during the growing season to verify that the crop is free 
62.23 	from potato virus X, potato virus Y, potato leafroll virus, C. michiganensis, and P. 
62.24 	atrosepticum.
62.25 	(e) Prenuclear tubers may originate from greenhouse tubers for one year only if the 
62.26 	greenhouse tubers have remained at the same growing operation and have remained isolated 
62.27 	from field-grown tubers.
62.28 	(f) Prenuclear class certified seed potatoes must not contain more than the allowable 
62.29 	tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 9.
62.30 		Subd. 2.Generation 1 class certified seed potatoes. (a) Generation 1 class seed potatoes 
62.31 	must meet the following requirements:
63.1 	(1) the seed source must be either prenuclear tubers, clones, or plantlets; and
63.2 	(2) tuber units or plantlets must be planted in identifiable family units.
63.3 	(b) Subject to the commissioner's approval, lots in Generation 1 class may be exempt 
63.4 	from winter testing requirements if leaves collected during the growing season are laboratory 
63.5 	tested and shown to be within the allowable tolerance of potato virus X, potato virus Y, and 
63.6 	other pathogens identified by the commissioner.
63.7 	(c) Each lot must be stored in an individual identifiable unit.
63.8 	(d) Generation 1 seed potatoes must not contain more than the allowable tolerances for 
63.9 	disease and varietal mixture for seed potatoes in subdivision 9.
63.10 		Subd. 3.Generation 2 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 2 class seed potatoes 
63.11 	must originate from Generation 1 class seed potatoes. Generation 2 class seed potatoes must 
63.12 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances of disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.13 	9.
63.14 		Subd. 4.Generation 3 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 3 class seed potatoes 
63.15 	must originate from Generation 2 class seed potatoes. Generation 3 class seed potatoes must 
63.16 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances of disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.17 	9.
63.18 		Subd. 5.Generation 4 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 4 class seed potatoes 
63.19 	must originate from Generation 3 class seed potatoes. Generation 4 class seed potatoes must 
63.20 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.21 	9.
63.22 		Subd. 6.Generation 5 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 5 class seed potatoes 
63.23 	must originate from Generation 4 class seed potatoes. Generation 5 class seed potatoes must 
63.24 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.25 	9.
63.26 		Subd. 7.Generation 6 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 6 class seed potatoes 
63.27 	must originate from Generation 5 class seed potatoes. Generation 6 class seed potatoes must 
63.28 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.29 	9.
63.30 		Subd. 8.Certified class certified seed potatoes. Certified class seed potatoes must 
63.31 	originate from generation classes of seed potatoes. Certified class seed potatoes must not 
63.32 	contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
63.33 	9.
64.1 		Subd. 9.Allowable tolerances for diseases and varietal mixture by generation 
64.2 	class. The numbers represent the percentage of potatoes that may be affected out of an 
64.3 	individual lot.

64.4		PN
	G1
	G2
	G3
	G4
	G5
	G6
	C
	
64.5	Tolerances:
									
64.6
64.7
64.8	Severe Mosaic from 
potato virus Y, A, M, 
X, and/or S
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
64.9	Leafroll
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
64.10	Total
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
64.11	Other viruses
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
64.12
64.13
64.14	Mycoplasms (haywire, 
witches broom, yellow 
dwarf)
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
64.15	Total
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
64.16	Blackleg
	0
	0
	0.2
	0.5
	1
	exc.
	exc.
	exc.
	
64.17	Varietal mixture
	0
	0
	0
	0.1
	0.1
	0.1
	0.2
	0.2
	
64.18
64.19	Ring Rot and Spindle 
Tuber
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	
64.20	Winter Test:
									
64.21
64.22
64.23	Virus or expressing 
symptoms of chemical 
damage
	-
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5

64.24 	Sec. 57. [21.125] MINNESOTA CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GRADES AND 
64.25 	TOLERANCES.
64.26 		Subdivision 1.Certified seed potato grading. Potatoes must meet the requirements of 
64.27 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 to be graded as certified seed potatoes.
64.28 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the 
64.29 	meanings given.
64.30 	(b) "Damage" means any defect or combination of defects that materially affects the 
64.31 	appearance of the individual potato, or that cannot be removed without a loss of more than 
64.32 	five percent of the total weight of the potato, including the peel covering the defective area.
64.33 	(c) "Diameter" means the greatest dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis. 
64.34 	Diameter means the long axis.
64.35 	(d) "Dry rot" means decaying tissue that is dry.
65.1 	(e) "Fairly clean" means that the individual potato is reasonably free from dirt, staining, 
65.2 	or other foreign matter.
65.3 	(f) "Fairly well-shaped" means that the individual potato is not materially pointed, 
65.4 	dumbbell-shaped, or otherwise ill-formed.
65.5 	(g) "Mature" means that the outer skin does not loosen or feather readily during the 
65.6 	ordinary methods of handling.
65.7 	(h) "Serious damage" means any defect or combination of defects that seriously affects 
65.8 	the appearance of the individual potato or that cannot be removed without a loss of more 
65.9 	than ten percent of the total weight of the potato, including the peel covering the defective 
65.10 	area.
65.11 	(i) "Slightly dirty" means the appearance is not materially affected by dirt, staining, or 
65.12 	other foreign matter.
65.13 	(j) "Soft rot" or "wet breakdown" means any soft, mushy, or leaky condition of potato 
65.14 	tissues.
65.15 	(k) "Well-shaped" means the normal shape for a variety.
65.16 		Subd. 3.Damage. The commissioner must find that one or more of the following defects 
65.17 	constitutes damage:
65.18 	(1) a russet scab that materially detracts from the appearance of a potato;
65.19 	(2) second growth or growth cracks that materially affect the appearance of an individual 
65.20 	potato;
65.21 	(3) air cracks when removal of the air cracks causes a loss of more than five percent of 
65.22 	the total weight of a potato;
65.23 	(4) a potato that is more than moderately shriveled, spongy, or flabby;
65.24 	(5) an individual potato that has sprouts over one inch in length;
65.25 	(6) a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that covers more than five percent of 
65.26 	the surface of a potato or a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that, when removed, 
65.27 	causes a potato to lose more than five percent of the potato's total weight, including peel 
65.28 	covering a defective area of the potato; or
65.29 	(7) more than 50 percent of a potato's surface contains scattered, lightly caked soil or 
65.30 	more than 15 percent of a potato's surface is badly caked with soil.
66.1 		Subd. 4.Serious damage. The commissioner must find that one or more of the following 
66.2 	defects constitutes serious damage:
66.3 	(1) a russet scab that seriously detracts from the appearance of a potato;
66.4 	(2) the appearance of a potato is seriously affected by caked or smeared dirt or other 
66.5 	foreign matter;
66.6 	(3) both ends of a potato are cut or clipped, more than an estimated one-fourth of a potato 
66.7 	is cut away from one end, or a remaining portion of a clipped potato weighs less than six 
66.8 	ounces;
66.9 	(4) one or more cuts that seriously affect the appearance of a potato or that cannot be 
66.10 	removed without the loss of more than ten percent of a potato's total weight, including peel 
66.11 	covering the defective area;
66.12 	(5) a potato that is excessively shriveled, spongy, or flabby;
66.13 	(6) a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that covers more than 25 percent of the 
66.14 	surface of a potato or a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that, when removed, 
66.15 	causes a loss of more than ten percent of a potato's total weight, including peel covering the 
66.16 	defective area; or
66.17 	(7) wireworm or air cracks that, when removed, cause a loss of more than ten percent 
66.18 	of a potato's total weight.
66.19 		Subd. 5.Application of tolerance. If the average of an entire lot is within the disease 
66.20 	tolerances specified for the grade in section 21.124, subdivision 9, an individual container 
66.21 	in the lot may contain no more than double the disease tolerance specified in section 21.124, 
66.22 	subdivision 9, except that sprouts, at least one defective specimen with a defect other than 
66.23 	bacterial ring rot, and one off size specimen is permitted. This subdivision does not apply 
66.24 	to bulk conveyances.
66.25 		Subd. 6.Condition after transit. Deterioration that developed in transit must affect the 
66.26 	condition of potatoes. Deterioration that developed in transit must not affect the grade of 
66.27 	potatoes.
66.28 		Subd. 7.Minnesota blue-tag-certified seed potato grade. (a) To be graded as Minnesota 
66.29 	blue-tag-certified seed potatoes, potatoes must meet the following requirements:
66.30 	(1) at the time of the shipping point inspection, potatoes must be of one variety; 
66.31 	unwashed; fairly well-shaped; free from bacterial ring rot, late blight, freezing, black heart, 
66.32 	and soft rot or wet breakdown; free from damage caused by soil or other foreign matter, 
67.1 	second growth, air cracks, cuts, shriveling, sprouts, pitted scabs, surface scabs, powdery 
67.2 	scabs, russet scabs, dry rot, other diseases, insects or worms, mechanical or other means, 
67.3 	or flattened or depressed areas with underlying flesh discoloration; and free from serious 
67.4 	damage caused by hollow heart, wireworm, growth cracks, or internal discoloration other 
67.5 	than hollow heart. Sunburn and silver scurf must not be considered factors that affect the 
67.6 	grading of potatoes. This clause does not apply to hollow heart if the potatoes are labeled 
67.7 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate; and
67.8 	(2) for round or intermediate shaped varieties, the maximum potato size is 12 ounces 
67.9 	(340.2 grams) and, unless otherwise specified, the minimum size must not be less than 1-1/2 
67.10 	inches (38.1 millimeters) in diameter. For long varieties, the maximum size is 14 ounces 
67.11 	(396.9 grams) and, unless otherwise specified, the minimum size must not be less than 1-1/2 
67.12 	inches (38.1 millimeters) in diameter. For all varieties, the minimum diameter for size "B" 
67.13 	must not be less than 1-1/2 inches (38.1 millimeters) and the maximum size must not be 
67.14 	more than 2-1/4 inches (57.1 millimeters) in diameter. The department may grade potatoes 
67.15 	that do not meet the maximum and minimum size specifications as Minnesota 
67.16 	blue-tag-certified seed potatoes if the buyer agrees to accept potatoes of alternate size 
67.17 	specifications from the grower and the specifications are listed on the affixed tag or 
67.18 	accompanying bulk certificate issued by the department.
67.19 	(b) To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following lot 
67.20 	tolerances are permitted:
67.21 	(1) for defects:
67.22 	(i) up to ten percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by hollow heart, unless labeled 
67.23 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate;
67.24 	(ii) up to five percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by internal discoloration due 
67.25 	to causes other than hollow heart;
67.26 	(iii) up to ten percent of a lot may be damaged by soil or other foreign matter;
67.27 	(iv) up to 20 percent of a lot may be damaged by sprouts;
67.28 	(v) up to ten percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by wireworm;
67.29 	(vi) for potatoes that fail to meet the remaining requirements of the potatoes' grade, a 
67.30 	lot may contain up to a total of six percent of the following defects combined and must not 
67.31 	contain more than the following percentage of defects:
67.32 	(A) soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown, 0.5 percent;
68.1 	(B) damage by surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab, 2.0 percent;
68.2 	(C) damage by dry rot, 2.0 percent, of which not more than 1.0 percent is late blight 
68.3 	tuber rot;
68.4 	(D) bacterial ring rot, 0.0 percent; and
68.5 	(E) late blight tuber rot, 1.0 percent; and
68.6 	(vii) the presence of the following does not affect seed quality and must not be scored 
68.7 	against the potatoes' grade:
68.8 	(A) brown discoloration following skinning;
68.9 	(B) dried stems;
68.10 	(C) flattened or depressed areas showing no underlying flesh discoloration;
68.11 	(D) greening;
68.12 	(E) sunburn;
68.13 	(F) skin checks; and
68.14 	(G) silver scurf; and
68.15 	(2) for off size:
68.16 	(i) up to five percent of potatoes may fail to meet the required or specified minimum 
68.17 	size; and
68.18 	(ii) up to ten percent of potatoes may fail to meet the required maximum size.
68.19 		Subd. 8.Minnesota yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade. (a) To be graded as 
68.20 	Minnesota yellow-tag-certified seed potatoes, potatoes must meet the following requirements:
68.21 	(1) at the time of the shipping point inspection, the potatoes must be of one variety; 
68.22 	unwashed; fairly well-shaped; free from bacterial ring rot, late blight, freezing, black heart, 
68.23 	and soft rot or wet breakdown; free from damage caused by second growth, air cracks, cuts, 
68.24 	shriveling, pitted scabs, surface scabs, powdery scabs, dry rot, other diseases, insects or 
68.25 	worms, or mechanical means or other means; and free from serious damage caused by soil 
68.26 	or other foreign matter, hollow heart, wireworm, growth cracks, russet scabs, or internal 
68.27 	discoloration other than hollow heart. Sunburn and silver scurf must not be considered 
68.28 	factors that affect the grading of potatoes. This clause does not apply to hollow heart if 
68.29 	labeled "hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate; and
69.1 	(2) for all varieties, the maximum potato size is 14 ounces (396.9 grams) and the 
69.2 	minimum size is 1-1/2 inch (38.1 millimeter) in diameter. For all varieties, the minimum 
69.3 	diameter for size "B" must not be less than 1-1/2 inches (38.1 millimeters) and the maximum 
69.4 	diameter must not be more than 2-1/4 inches (57.1 millimeters). The department may grade 
69.5 	potatoes that do not meet the maximum and minimum size specifications as Minnesota 
69.6 	yellow-tag-certified seed potatoes if the buyer agrees to accept potatoes with alternate size 
69.7 	specifications from the grower and the size specifications are listed on the affixed tag or 
69.8 	accompanying bulk certificate issued by the department.
69.9 	(b) To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following lot 
69.10 	tolerances are permitted:
69.11 	(1) for defects:
69.12 	(i) up to 20 percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by hollow heart, unless labeled 
69.13 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate;
69.14 	(ii) up to five percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by internal discoloration 
69.15 	due to a cause other than hollow heart;
69.16 	(iii) up to ten percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by soil or other foreign 
69.17 	matter;
69.18 	(iv) up to ten percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by wireworm;
69.19 	(v) up to 20 percent of a lot may have defects if the potatoes fail to meet the remaining 
69.20 	requirements of the grade. Of the 20 percent of defects allowed, a lot may contain a total 
69.21 	of six percent of the following defects combined and must not contain more than the 
69.22 	following percentage of defects:
69.23 	(A) soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown, 0.5 percent;
69.24 	(B) damage by surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab, 5.0 percent;
69.25 	(C) damage by dry rot, 2.0 percent, of which not more than 1.0 percent is late blight 
69.26 	tuber rot;
69.27 	(D) bacterial ring rot, 0.0 percent; and
69.28 	(E) late blight tuber rot, 1.0 percent; and
69.29 	(vi) the presence of the following does not affect seed quality and must not be scored 
69.30 	against the grade:
69.31 	(A) brown discoloration following skinning;
70.1 	(B) dried stems;
70.2 	(C) flattened or depressed areas showing no underlying flesh discoloration;
70.3 	(D) greening;
70.4 	(E) sunburn;
70.5 	(F) skin checks;
70.6 	(G) silver scurf; and
70.7 	(H) sprouts; and
70.8 	(2) for off size:
70.9 	(i) five percent for potatoes that fail to meet the required or specified minimum size; 
70.10 	and
70.11 	(ii) ten percent for potatoes that fail to meet the required maximum size.
70.12 	(c) The potatoes must be fairly well-shaped, with an exception for long varieties when 
70.13 	specified as "except for shape." When specified as "except for shape," the tubers may be 
70.14 	misshapen.
70.15 		Subd. 9.Minnesota white-tag-certified seed potato grade. Minnesota white-tag-certified 
70.16 	seed potato grade consists of certified seed potatoes that are graded according to agreement 
70.17 	between the seller and the purchaser as to size and defects, except that not more than one-half 
70.18 	percent of soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown and two percent dry rot, of which not more 
70.19 	than one percent late blight tuber rot is allowed.

70.20 	Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.891, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
70.21 		Subd. 2.Seed fee permits. (a) A labeler who wishes to sell seed in Minnesota must 
70.22 	comply with section 21.89, subdivisions 1 and 2, and the procedures in this subdivision. 
70.23 	Each labeler who wishes to sell seed in Minnesota must apply to the commissioner to obtain 
70.24 	a permit. The application must contain the name and address of the applicant, the application 
70.25 	date, and the name and title of the applicant's contact person. Permit fees are based on the 
70.26 	initial sale of seed in Minnesota.
70.27 	(b) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
70.28 	(1), must be accompanied by an application fee of $75.
70.29 	(c) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
70.30 	(2), must be accompanied by an application fee based on the level of annual gross sales as 
70.31 	follows:
71.1 	(1) for gross sales of $0 to $25,000, the annual permit fee is $75;
71.2 	(2) for gross sales of $25,001 to $50,000, the annual permit fee is $150;
71.3 	(3) for gross sales of $50,001 to $100,000, the annual permit fee is $300;
71.4 	(4) for gross sales of $100,001 to $250,000, the annual permit fee is $750;
71.5 	(5) for gross sales of $250,001 to $500,000, the annual permit fee is $1,500;
71.6 	(6) for gross sales of $500,001 to $1,000,000, the annual permit fee is $3,000; and
71.7 	(7) for gross sales of $1,000,001 and above, the annual permit fee is $4,500.
71.8 	(d) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
71.9 	(3), must be accompanied by an application fee of $75. Labelers holding seed fee permits 
71.10 	covered under this paragraph need not apply for a new permit or pay the application fee. 
71.11 	Under this permit category, the fees for the following kinds of agricultural seed sold either 
71.12 	in bulk or containers are:
71.13 	(1) oats, wheat, and barley, 9 cents per hundredweight;
71.14 	(2) rye, field beans, buckwheat, and flax, 12 cents per hundredweight;
71.15 	(3) field corn, 17 cents per 80,000 seed unit;
71.16 	(4) forage, hemp, lawn and turf grasses, and legumes, 69 cents per hundredweight;
71.17 	(5) sunflower, $1.96 per hundredweight;
71.18 	(6) sugar beet, 12 cents per 100,000 seed unit;
71.19 	(7) soybeans, 7.5 cents per 140,000 seed unit;
71.20 	(8) for any agricultural seed not listed in clauses (1) to (7), the fee for the crop most 
71.21 	closely resembling it in normal planting rate applies; and
71.22 	(9) for native grasses and wildflower seed, $1 per hundredweight.
71.23 	(e) If, for reasons beyond the control and knowledge of the labeler, seed is shipped into 
71.24 	Minnesota by a person other than the labeler, the responsibility for the seed fees are 
71.25 	transferred to the shipper. An application for a transfer of this responsibility must be made 
71.26 	to the commissioner. Upon approval by the commissioner of the transfer, the shipper is 
71.27 	responsible for payment of the seed permit fees.
71.28 	(f) Seed permit fees may be included in the cost of the seed either as a hidden cost or as 
71.29 	a line item cost on each invoice for seed sold. To identify the fee on an invoice, the words 
71.30 	"Minnesota seed permit fees" must be used.
72.1 	(g) All seed fee permit holders must file semiannual reports with the commissioner, 
72.2 	even if no seed was sold during the reporting period. Each semiannual report must be 
72.3 	submitted within 30 days of the end of each reporting period. The reporting periods are 
72.4 	October 1 to March 31 and April 1 to September 30 of each year or July 1 to December 31 
72.5 	and January 1 to June 30 of each year must be determined by the commissioner and 
72.6 	communicated annually to permit holders. Permit holders may change their reporting periods 
72.7 	with the approval of the commissioner.
72.8 	(h) The holder of a seed fee permit must pay fees on all seed for which the permit holder 
72.9 	is the labeler and which are covered by sections 21.80 to 21.92 and sold during the reporting 
72.10 	period.
72.11 	(i) If a seed fee permit holder fails to submit a semiannual report and pay the seed fee 
72.12 	within 30 days after the end of each reporting period, the commissioner shall assess a penalty 
72.13 	of $100 or eight percent, calculated on an annual basis, of the fee due, whichever is greater, 
72.14 	but no more than $500 for each late semiannual report. A $15 penalty must be charged when 
72.15 	the semiannual report is late, even if no fee is due for the reporting period. Seed fee permits 
72.16 	may be revoked for failure to comply with the applicable provisions of this paragraph or 
72.17 	the Minnesota seed law.

72.18 	Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 28A.04, subdivision 1, is amended 
72.19 	to read:
72.20 		Subdivision 1.Application; date of issuance. (a) Except as provided under section 
72.21 	28A.152, no person shall may engage in the business of manufacturing, processing, selling, 
72.22 	handling, or storing food without having first obtained from the commissioner a license for 
72.23 	doing such business. Applications for such license shall must be made to the commissioner 
72.24 	in such manner and time as required and upon such forms as provided by the commissioner 
72.25 	and shall must contain the name and address of the applicant, address or description of each 
72.26 	place of business, and the nature of the business to be conducted at each place, and such 
72.27 	other pertinent information as the commissioner may require.
72.28 	(b) An applicant for a license must submit a nonrefundable application fee of $50 with 
72.29 	each license application. The fee under this paragraph does not apply to annual license 
72.30 	renewals. The fee under this paragraph is not required for applications to operate solely as 
72.31 	a special event food stand or custom exempt food handler.
72.32 	(c) A food handler license shall must be issued for the period January 1 to December 
72.33 	31 and shall must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before January 1 of each year, 
72.34 	except that:
73.1 	(1) retail and wholesale food handler licenses issued for the period of July 1, 2025, to 
73.2 	June 30, 2026, must be renewed on or before July 1, 2026, for the period of July 1, 2026, 
73.3 	to December 31, 2026. The renewal fee for the period of July 1, 2026, to December 31, 
73.4 	2026, is one-half of the fee for a food handler specified in section 28A.08, subdivision 3;
73.5 	(2) licenses for all mobile food concession units and retail mobile units must be issued 
73.6 	for the period April 1 to March 31, and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or 
73.7 	before April 1 of each year. A license issued for a temporary food concession stand must 
73.8 	have a license issuance and renewal date consistent with appropriate statutory provisions; 
73.9 	and
73.10 	(3) a license for a food handler operating only at the State Fair must be issued for the 
73.11 	period of July 1 to June 30 and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before July 
73.12 	1 of each year.
73.13 	(d) A penalty for late renewal under paragraph (b) (c) must be assessed in accordance 
73.14 	with section 28A.08.
73.15 	(e) A custom exempt food handler license shall must be issued for the period July 1 to 
73.16 	June 30 and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before July 1 each year. The 
73.17 	custom exempt food handler license is for businesses that only conduct custom exempt 
73.18 	operations and mark all products as "Not For Sale." Food handlers that conduct retail exempt 
73.19 	operations or other operations other than custom exempt processing or slaughter are not 
73.20 	eligible for this license.
73.21 	(f) On a quarterly basis during the licensing period, the commissioner must prorate the 
73.22 	fee for an initial license issued under this chapter, except that:
73.23 	(1) a person applying for a new license up to 14 calendar days before the effective date 
73.24 	of the new license period under paragraph (c) must be issued a license for the 14 days and 
73.25 	the next license year as a single license and pay a single license fee as if the 14 days were 
73.26 	part of the upcoming license period.; and
73.27 	(2) a person applying for a license to operate as a special event food stand must pay the 
73.28 	entire fee specified in section 28A.08, subdivision 3, regardless of when the application is 
73.29 	filed.

74.1 	Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 28A.0752, is amended to read:
74.2 	28A.0752 DELEGATION OF POWERS AND DUTIES.
74.3 		Subdivision 1.Agreements to perform duties of commissioner. (a) The commissioner 
74.4 	may enter into agreements to delegate licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner 
74.5 	to community health boards pertaining to retail food handlers shall whose primary mode 
74.6 	of business is to sell or to process and sell food directly to the ultimate consumer. An 
74.7 	agreement under this section may include duties of licensing, inspection, reporting, and 
74.8 	enforcement duties authorized under sections this chapter and chapters 29 and 30; section
74.9 	17.04, 29.21, 29.23, 29.235, 29.236, 29.237, 29.24, 29.25, 29.26, 29.27, and 30.49,;
74.10 	appropriate sections of the Minnesota Food Law, chapters 31 and 34A,; and applicable 
74.11 	Minnesota food rules.
74.12 	(b) Agreements under this section are subject to subdivision 3.
74.13 	(c) This subdivision does not affect agreements entered into under section 28A.075 or 
74.14 	current cooperative agreements which base inspections and licensing responsibility on the 
74.15 	firm's most predominant mode of business. The commissioner must not delegate duties 
74.16 	under this section pertaining to custom exempt food handlers and food handlers inspected 
74.17 	under the state meat inspection program under chapter 31A.
74.18 	(d) The commissioner must not delegate duties under this section pertaining to food 
74.19 	handlers whose principal mode of business is to sell food to other business entities or 
74.20 	establishments for resale.
74.21 	(e) The commissioner must not delegate duties under this section pertaining to food 
74.22 	handlers who conduct activities regulated under Code of Federal Regulations, title 21, part 
74.23 	111; 112; 113; 114; 117, subpart C; 120; or 123.
74.24 		Subd. 2.Approval of agreements. (a) An agreement under this section to delegate 
74.25 	licensing and inspection of retail food handlers duties to a community health board must 
74.26 	be approved by the commissioner and is subject to subdivision 3.
74.27 	(b) An agreement to delegate the commissioner's duties to a designated agent established 
74.28 	before January 1, 2025, remains in effect if the designated agent's performance continues 
74.29 	to meet the standards necessary to substitute for the commissioner's duties and complies 
74.30 	with the requirements of subdivisions 1 and 3.
74.31 		Subd. 3.Terms of agreements. (a) Agreements authorized under this section must be 
74.32 	in writing and signed by the delegating authority commissioner and the designated agent.
75.1 	(b) The An agreement under this section must list criteria that the delegating authority
75.2 	commissioner will use to determine if the designated agent's performance meets appropriate 
75.3 	standards and is sufficient to replace performance by the delegating authority commissioner.
75.4 	(c) The An agreement under this section may specify minimum staff requirements and 
75.5 	qualifications, set procedures for the assessment of costs, and provide for termination 
75.6 	procedures if the delegating authority commissioner determines that the designated agent 
75.7 	has failed to comply with the agreement.
75.8 	(d) A designated agent must operate according to the requirements of section 28A.06.
75.9 	(e) By December 31, 2028, a designated agent that entered into an agreement to delegate 
75.10 	the commissioner's duties to the designated agent before January 1, 2025, must comply with 
75.11 	section 28A.06.
75.12 	(d) (f) The delegating authority commissioner and the designated agent are required to 
75.13 	perform inspections utilizing the Minnesota Food Code's minimum and maximum standards.
75.14 	(e) (g) A designated agent must not perform licensing, inspection, reporting, or 
75.15 	enforcement duties under the an agreement under this section in a territory outside its 
75.16 	jurisdiction unless approved by the commissioner and governing body for that territory 
75.17 	through a separate agreement.
75.18 	(h) A designated agent may charge a fee to recover the estimated costs of performing 
75.19 	duties according to terms of an agreement under this section if the duties involve enforcing 
75.20 	the Minnesota Food Law and applicable Minnesota food rules. The fee charged by the 
75.21 	designated agent must be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the actual cost of the duties 
75.22 	performed by the designated agent. A designated agent must only use a fee under this 
75.23 	paragraph to cover the costs of performing duties according to terms of the agreement under 
75.24 	this section.
75.25 	(f) (i) The scope of agreements established under this section is limited to duties and 
75.26 	responsibilities agreed upon by the parties. The agreement may provide for automatic 
75.27 	renewal and for notice of intent to terminate by either party.
75.28 	(g) (j) During the life of the an agreement under this section, the delegating authority 
75.29 	shall commissioner must not perform duties that the designated agent is required to perform 
75.30 	under the agreement, except inspections necessary to determine compliance with the 
75.31 	agreement and this section or as agreed to by the parties.
75.32 	(h) (k) The delegating authority shall commissioner must consult with, advise, and assist 
75.33 	a designated agent in the performance of its duties under the agreement.
76.1 	(i) (l) This section does not alter the responsibility of the delegating authority
76.2 	commissioner for the performance of duties specified by law and rule.

76.3 	Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 28A.08, subdivision 3, is amended 
76.4 	to read:
76.5 		Subd. 3.Fees effective August 1, 2025.
 
76.6						Penalties
	
76.776.8		Type of food handler
		Risk 
Category
	License 
Fee
	Late 
Renewal
	No
License
	
76.9	1.
	Custom exempt food handler
						
76.10
76.11
76.12		(a) Having  $50,000 or less gross sales or 
service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$135
	$45
	$90
	
76.13
76.14
76.15		(b) Having $50,001 to  $125,000 gross sales 
or service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$200
	$67
	$133
	
76.16
76.17
76.18		(c) Having  $125,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$370
	$123
	$247
	
76.19
76.20
76.21		(d)  Having  $500,001 to  $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$475
	$158
	$317
	
76.22
76.23
76.24		(e) Having  $1,000,001 to  $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,350
	$450
	$900
	
76.25
76.26
76.27		(f) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,750
	$583
	$1,167
	
76.28
76.29
76.30		(g) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,150
	$717
	$1,433
	
76.31
76.32
76.33		(h) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,550
	$849
	$1,700
	
76.34
76.35
76.36		(i) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,950
	$984
	$1,967
	
76.37
76.38
76.39		(j) Having over $25,000,001 gross sales or 
service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$3,350
	$1,117
	$2,233
	
76.40	2.
	Food handler
						
76.41
76.42
76.43
76.44
76.45		(a) Having gross sales of only prepackaged 
nonperishable food of less than $30,000 
for the immediately previous license or 
fiscal year and filing a statement with the 
commissioner
			$90
	$30
	$60
	
77.1
77.2
77.3		(b) Having gross sales or service of less 
than  $50,000 for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$285
$195
$135
	$95
$65
$45
	$190
$130
$90
	
77.4
77.5
77.6		(c) Having  $50,001 to  $125,000 gross sales 
or service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$350
$260
$200
	$117
$87
$67
	$233
$173
$133
	
77.7
77.8
77.9		(d) Having  $125,001 to  $250,000 gross 
sales or service  for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$415
$350
$265
	$138
$117
$88
	$277
$233
$177
	
77.10
77.11
77.12		(e) Having $250,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service  for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$520
$430
$370
	$173
$143
$123
	$347
$287
$247
	
77.13
77.14
77.15		(f) Having  $500,001 to  $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$625
$535
$475
	$208
$178
$158
	$417
$357
$317
	
77.16
77.17
77.18		(g) Having  $1,000,001 to  $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$1,500
$1,425
$1,350
	$500
$475
$450
	$1,000
$950
$900
	
77.19
77.20
77.21		(h) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$1,900
$1,825
$1,750
	$633
$608
$583
	$1,267
$1,217
$1,167
	
77.22
77.23
77.24		(i) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$2,300
$2,225
$2,150
	$767
$742
$717
	$1,533
$1,483
$1,433
	
77.25
77.26
77.27		(j) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$2,700
$2,625
$2,550
	$900
$875
$849
	$1,800
$1,750
$1,700
	
77.28
77.29
77.30		(k) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$3,100
$3,025
$2,950
	$1,033
$1,008
$984
	$2,067
$2,017
$1,967
	
77.31
77.32
77.33		(l) Having  $25,000,001  to $50,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$3,500
$3,425
$3,350
	$1,167
$1,142
$1,117
	$2,333
$2,283
$2,233
	
77.34
77.35
77.36		(m) Having $50,000,001 to $100,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$4,000
$3,925
$3,850
	$1,334
$1,309
$1,284
	$2,667
$2,617
$2,567
	
77.37
77.38
77.39		(n) Having $100,000,001 or more gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$4,500
$4,425
$4,350
	$1,500
$1,475
$1,450
	$3,000
$2,950
$2,900
	
77.4077.41
77.42
77.43	3.
	Food handler operating under authority of 
this chapter solely as a special event food 
stand as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 
section 157.15
			$75
	$25
	$50
	
77.4477.45
77.46	4.
	Meat or poultry  processing solely under 
supervision of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture
						
77.47
77.48
77.49		(a) Having gross sales or service of less 
than $125,000 for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$190
	$63
	$127
	
78.1
78.2
78.3		(b) Having $125,001 to $250,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$365
	$122
	$243
	
78.4
78.5
78.6		(c) Having $250,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$450
	$150
	$300
	
78.7
78.8
78.9		(d) Having $500,001 to $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$565
	$188
	$377
	
78.10
78.11
78.12		(e) Having $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$725
	$241
	$483
	
78.13
78.14
78.15		(f) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$885
	$295
	$590
	
78.16
78.17
78.18		(g) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,305
	$435
	$807
	
78.19
78.20
78.21		(h) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,515
	$505
	$1,010
	
78.22
78.23
78.24		(i) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,745
	$582
	$1,163
	
78.25
78.26
78.27		(j) Having $25,000,001 to $50,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,975
	$658
	$1,317
	
78.28
78.29
78.30		(k) Having $50,000,001 to $100,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,215
	$738
	$1,477
	
78.31
78.32
78.33		(l) Having $100,000,001 or more gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,465
	$822
	$1,643

78.34 	Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 29.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
78.35 	read:
78.36 		Subd. 12.Quality assurance date. "Quality assurance date" means any date after which 
78.37 	the manufacturer or processor reasonably determines that the product may, by spoilage, 
78.38 	wiltage, drying, or any other foreseeable and natural phenomenon, lose palatability or desired 
78.39 	or nutritive properties.

79.1 	Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 29.26, is amended to read:
79.2 	29.26 EGGS IN POSSESSION OF RETAILER.
79.3 	(a) All eggs sold or offered for sale at retail must have been candled and graded and 
79.4 	must be clearly labeled according to Minnesota consumer grades as established by rule 
79.5 	under section 29.23. No eggs shall be sold or offered for sale as "ungraded," "unclassified," 
79.6 	or by any other name that does not clearly designate the grade. All eggs in possession of 
79.7 	the retailer, either in temporary storage or on display, must be held at a temperature not to 
79.8 	exceed 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).
79.9 	(b) Grade AA eggs held 31 days past the coded pack date for Grade AA eggs, or Grade 
79.10 	A eggs held 46 days past the coded pack date for Grade A eggs, lose their grades and must 
79.11 	be removed from sale., except eggs that are past their quality assurance date may be donated 
79.12 	to and distributed by charitable food assistance programs if the eggs:
79.13 	(1) are contained in their original packaging;
79.14 	(2) have previously been candled and graded;
79.15 	(3) are continuously refrigerated;
79.16 	(4) are distributed to the end consumer prior to 30 days past the original quality assurance 
79.17 	date; and
79.18 	(5) are contained in packaging affixed with a label that includes the following information:
79.19 	(i) the name of the charitable food assistance program distributing the eggs;
79.20 	(ii) a "distribute by" date of no more than 30 days past the original quality assurance 
79.21 	date; and
79.22 	(iii) the following statement: "Donated Eggs - Not for Resale."

79.23 	Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 31.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
79.24 	read:
79.25 		Subd. 33.Cell-cultured food. "Cell-cultured food" has the meaning given in section 
79.26 	34A.01, subdivision 1a.

79.27 	Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 31.12, is amended to read:
79.28 	31.12 LABELING.
79.29 	(a) For the purpose of preventing fraud and deception in the manufacture, use, sale, and 
79.30 	transportation of food, or for the purpose of protecting and preserving the public health, it 
80.1 	shall be the duty of the commissioner, by rulings not inconsistent with law, to require that 
80.2 	any article of food, or the package, receptacle, or container thereof, before it be sold, 
80.3 	transported, used, offered for sale or transportation, or had in possession with intent to use, 
80.4 	sell or transport within this state, shall be labeled, stamped, stenciled, marked, or branded 
80.5 	in such manner as to plainly exhibit to the purchaser any or all of the following data or 
80.6 	information: The percentages and true composition of such food article, its quality, strength, 
80.7 	quantity, source of its manufacture or production or the person by or for whom the same is 
80.8 	manufactured, produced, packed, or shipped. The commissioner shall also have authority 
80.9 	to prescribe by such rulings the date on which the same shall take effect and be in force, 
80.10 	and also the form, size, style, and wording of, and the place, time, method, means and 
80.11 	manner of use of all such labels, stamps, stencils, brands, and markings, which rulings shall 
80.12 	be made in the manner provided by law. Until such rulings are made and in effect the rulings 
80.13 	heretofore made by the commissioner shall remain in full force and effect, except as otherwise 
80.14 	prescribed by law. Any person who shall fail to comply with such ruling or rulings shall be 
80.15 	guilty of a misdemeanor.
80.16 	(b) If a product contains cell-cultured food, a statement must be labeled, stamped, 
80.17 	stenciled, marked, or branded on the package in such a manner as to plainly exhibit to the 
80.18 	purchaser that the food contains cell-cultured food. A person is in violation of this paragraph 
80.19 	if the person (1) knowingly sells or offers for sale a product containing cell-cultured food 
80.20 	that is not labeled as required, or (2) reasonably should have known that the product contains 
80.21 	cell-cultured food based on information provided by the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier.

80.22 	Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 31.633, is amended to read:
80.23 	31.633 MEAT OR POULTRY SUBSTITUTES; INDICATION ON MENU; 
80.24 	PENALTIES.
80.25 		Subdivision 1.Menu requirement Meat or poultry substitutes. Any restaurant, eating 
80.26 	place, or other establishment serving meat or poultry in any form to the public that has any 
80.27 	filler or meat or poultry substitute added to it or incorporated in it, shall clearly and 
80.28 	prominently indicate on its menu or bill of fare the meat entrees that contain filler or meat 
80.29 	or poultry substitutes.
80.30 		Subd. 3.Cell-cultured food. Any restaurant, eating place, or other establishment serving 
80.31 	cell-cultured food to the public must clearly and prominently indicate on its menu or bill 
80.32 	of fare the menu items that contain cell-cultured food.

81.1 	Sec. 67. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 32D.30, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
81.2 		Subd. 5.Reporting. No later than July 1 September 15 each year, the commissioner 
81.3 	must submit a detailed accomplishment report and work plan detailing future plans for, and 
81.4 	the actual and anticipated accomplishments from, expenditures under this section to the 
81.5 	chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with 
81.6 	jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance. If the commissioner significantly modifies 
81.7 	a submitted work plan during the fiscal year, the commissioner must notify the chairs and 
81.8 	ranking minority members.

81.9 	Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 34A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
81.10 	read:
81.11 		Subd. 1a.Cell-cultured food. "Cell-cultured food" means a food grown from animal 
81.12 	or plant cells in a controlled environment.

81.13 	Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 35.155, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
81.14 		Subd. 4.Fencing. Farmed Cervidae must be confined in a manner designed to prevent 
81.15 	escape. All perimeter fences for farmed Cervidae must be at least 96 inches in height and 
81.16 	be constructed and maintained in a way that prevents the escape of farmed Cervidae,or 
81.17 	entry into the premises by free-roaming Cervidae, and physical contact between farmed 
81.18 	Cervidae and free-roaming Cervidae. The Board of Animal Health or commissioner of 
81.19 	natural resources may determine whether the construction and maintenance of fencing is 
81.20 	adequate to prevent physical contact or escape or entry under this subdivision and may 
81.21 	compel corrective action when fencing is determined to be inadequate. All new fencing 
81.22 	installed and all fencing used to repair deficiencies must be high tensile. All entry areas for 
81.23 	farmed Cervidae enclosure areas must have two redundant gates, which must be maintained 
81.24 	to prevent the escape of animals through an open gate. If a fence deficiency allows entry 
81.25 	or exit by farmed or wild Cervidae, the owner must immediately repair the deficiency. All 
81.26 	other deficiencies must be repaired within a reasonable time, as determined by the Board 
81.27 	of Animal Health, not to exceed 14 days. If a fence deficiency is detected during an 
81.28 	inspection, the facility must be reinspected at least once in the subsequent three months. 
81.29 	The farmed Cervidae owner must pay a reinspection fee equal to one-half the applicable 
81.30 	annual inspection fee under subdivision 7a for each reinspection related to a fence violation. 
81.31 	If the facility experiences more than one escape incident in any six-month period or fails 
81.32 	to correct a deficiency found during an inspection, the board may revoke the facility's 
81.33 	registration and order the owner to remove or destroy the animals as directed by the board. 
82.1 	If the board revokes a facility's registration, the commissioner of natural resources may 
82.2 	seize and destroy animals at the facility.

82.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

82.4 	Sec. 70. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41A.19, is amended to read:
82.5 	41A.19 REPORT; INCENTIVE PROGRAMS.
82.6 	By January 15 Each year, the commissioner shall report on the incentive programs under 
82.7 	sections 41A.16, 41A.17, 41A.18, and 41A.20 to the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
82.8 	over environment and agriculture policy and finance in the report under section 41A.12, 
82.9 	subdivision 3. The report shall include information on production and incentive expenditures 
82.10 	under the programs.

82.11 	Sec. 71. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41B.048, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
82.12 		Subd. 2.Establishment. The authority shall establish and implement an agroforestry 
82.13 	loan program to help finance the production of short rotation woody crops, agroforestry 
82.14 	crops, agroforestry systems, such as silvopasture and alley systems, and other systems.

82.15 	Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41B.048, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
82.16 		Subd. 4.Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
82.17 	(b) "Agroforestry" has the meaning given in section 17.458, subdivision 1.
82.18 	(c) "Agroforestry system" means an agricultural production system that integrates trees, 
82.19 	shrubs, or other woody perennial species or animals into the system, with the intention to 
82.20 	harvest wood, food, feed, medicinal products, or other products from the system.
82.21 	(b)(d) "Growing cycle" means the number of years from planting to harvest.
82.22 	(c)(e) "Harvest" means the day that the crop arrives at the scale of the buyer of the crop.
82.23 	(d)(f) "Short rotation woody crops" or "crop" means hybrid poplar and other woody 
82.24 	plants that are harvested for their fiber within 15 years of planting.

82.25 	Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41B.048, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
82.26 		Subd. 5.Eligibility for growers of short rotation woody crops. To be eligible for this 
82.27 	program, a borrower must:
82.28 	(1) be a resident of Minnesota or any entity eligible to own farm land under section 
82.29 	500.24;
83.1 	(2) be or plan to become a grower of short rotation woody crops on agricultural land 
83.2 	that is suitable for the profitable production of short rotation woody crops;
83.3 	(3) be a member of a producer-owned cooperative that will contract to market the short 
83.4 	rotation woody crop to be planted by the borrower;
83.5 	(4) demonstrate an ability to repay the loan;
83.6 	(5) not receive assistance under this program for more than $150,000 in the producer's 
83.7 	lifetime;
83.8 	(6) agree to work with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies, and the marketing 
83.9 	cooperative, to develop an acceptable establishment and maintenance plan;
83.10 	(7) agree not to plant short-rotation woody crops within one-quarter of a mile of state 
83.11 	or federally protected prairie; and
83.12 	(8) meet any other requirements the authority may impose by administrative procedure 
83.13 	or by rule.

83.14 	Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41B.048, is amended by adding a subdivision 
83.15 	to read:
83.16 		Subd. 5a.Eligibility for agroforestry systems and practices. To be eligible for this 
83.17 	program, a borrower must:
83.18 	(1) be a resident of Minnesota or any entity eligible to own farm land under section 
83.19 	500.24;
83.20 	(2) be a farmer or agricultural landowner implementing: (i) the use of an agroforestry 
83.21 	system, such as a silvopasture or an alley system, on agricultural land; or (ii) the use of 
83.22 	agroforestry practices, such as biochar processing, on agricultural land;
83.23 	(3) demonstrate an ability to repay the loan;
83.24 	(4) not receive assistance under this program for more than $150,000 in the producer's 
83.25 	lifetime; and
83.26 	(5) meet any other requirements the authority may impose by administrative procedure 
83.27 	or by rule.

84.1 	Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41B.048, is amended by adding a subdivision 
84.2 	to read:
84.3 		Subd. 6a.Loans for agroforestry systems and practices. (a) The authority may 
84.4 	participate with eligible lenders in agroforestry loans to farmers and agricultural landowners 
84.5 	who are eligible under subdivision 5a. The authority's participation is limited to 45 percent 
84.6 	or $75,000 of total accumulative principal per loan.
84.7 	(b) The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may 
84.8 	differ from those of the lender's retained portion of the loan.
84.9 	(c) Standards for loan amortization must be set by the Rural Finance Authority and must 
84.10 	not exceed ten years.
84.11 	(d) Security for the loan must be a personal note executed by the borrower and whatever 
84.12 	other security is required by the eligible lender or the authority.
84.13 	(e) The authority may prescribe forms and establish an application process for applicants 
84.14 	to apply for a loan.
84.15 	(f) The authority may impose a reasonable, nonrefundable application fee for each 
84.16 	application for an agroforestry loan under this program. The authority may review the fee 
84.17 	annually and make adjustments as necessary. The initial application fee is $50. Application 
84.18 	fees received by the authority must be deposited in the Rural Finance Authority administrative 
84.19 	account established in section 41B.03.
84.20 	(g) Loans under this program must be made using money in the revolving loan account 
84.21 	established in section 41B.06.
84.22 	(h) All repayments of financial assistance granted under this section, including principal 
84.23 	and interest, must be deposited into the revolving loan account established under section 
84.24 	41B.06.
84.25 	(i) The interest payable on loans for the agroforestry loan program must be at a rate 
84.26 	determined by the authority.

84.27 	Sec. 76. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 583.215, is amended to read:
84.28 	583.215 EXPIRATION.
84.29 	Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20 to 
84.30 	583.32, expire June 30, 2027 2032.

85.1 	Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 604A.40, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
85.2 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in paragraphs 
85.3 	(b) to (g) have the meanings given them.
85.4 	(b) "Agricultural products" means livestock, aquacultural, poultry, horticultural, 
85.5 	floricultural, viticultural, silvicultural, or other products of a farm or ranch.
85.6 	(c) "Agritourism activity" means activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows 
85.7 	organizations or members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, charitable, 
85.8 	or educational purposes, to view, enjoy, or participate in rural activities, including, but not 
85.9 	limited to: farming; viticulture; winemaking; ranching; off-road vehicle trail events; and 
85.10 	historical, cultural, farm stay, gleaning, harvest-your-own, or natural activities and attractions. 
85.11 	An activity is an agritourism activity whether or not the participant pays to participate in 
85.12 	the activity.
85.13 	(d) "Agritourism professional" means a person who is engaged in providing one or more 
85.14 	agritourism activities, whether or not for compensation.
85.15 	(e) "Farm or ranch" means one or more areas of land used for the production, cultivation, 
85.16 	growing, harvesting, or processing of agricultural products.
85.17 	(f) "Inherent risks of agritourism activity" means dangers or conditions that are an integral 
85.18 	part of an agritourism activity including but not limited to:
85.19 	(1) natural hazards and conditions of land, vegetation, and waters including surface and 
85.20 	subsurface conditions;
85.21 	(2) the behavior of wild or domestic animals; and
85.22 	(3) ordinary dangers of structures or equipment ordinarily used in farming or ranching 
85.23 	operations.
85.24 	(g) "Participant" means a person, other than an agritourism professional, who engages 
85.25 	in an agritourism activity and who has the capacity to understand the inherent risks of 
85.26 	agricultural tourism.

85.27 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to causes 
85.28 	of action accruing on or after that date.

85.29 	Sec. 78. REPORT; PARAQUAT DICHLORIDE.
 85.30 	By February 1, 2029, the commissioner of agriculture must report to the chairs and 
85.31 	ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture 
86.1 	finance and policy on the use of paraquat dichloride in the state over time and the status of 
86.2 	paraquat dichloride in the pesticide supply chain.

86.3 	Sec. 79. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
 86.4 	(a) The revisor of statutes must renumber the subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 
86.5 	18.77, listed in column A to the references listed in column B. The revisor must make 
86.6 	necessary cross-reference changes in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules consistent 
86.7 	with the renumbering.

86.8		Column A
	Column B
	
86.9		subdivision 2a
	subdivision 2e
	
86.10		subdivision 2b
	subdivision 2f
	
86.11		subdivision 13
	subdivision 8b
	
86.12		subdivision 15
	subdivision 2d
	
86.13		subdivision 16
	subdivision 2c
	
86.14		subdivision 17
	subdivision 5b
	
86.15 	(b) The revisor of statutes must renumber the subdivisions in Minnesota Statutes, section 
86.16 	18C.005, in alphabetical order and correct all cross-references.

86.17 	Sec. 80. REPEALER.
 86.18 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18.77, subdivision 14, is repealed.
86.19 	(b) Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 18K.02, subdivision 7; 18K.03, subdivision 2; 
86.20 	and 28A.075, are repealed.

	ARTICLE 1	AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 2.2	
	ARTICLE 2	AGRICULTURE POLICY........	Page.Ln 29.11	

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S5073-3 

18.77 DEFINITIONS.Subd. 14.Cooperative weed management areas or CWMAs. 
"Cooperative weed management areas" or "CWMAs" means partnership organizations formed with the goal of managing invasive plants across jurisdictional and land ownership boundaries through collective planning and sharing of knowledge and resources. 

18K.02 DEFINITIONS.Subd. 7.Processor. 
"Processor" means a person or business that converts raw hemp into a product. 

18K.03 AGRICULTURAL CROP; POSSESSION AUTHORIZED.Subd. 2.Sale to medical cannabis manufacturers. 
A licensee under this chapter may sell hemp products derived from industrial hemp grown in this state to medical cannabis manufacturers as authorized under sections 152.22 to 152.37. 

28A.075 DELEGATION TO LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD.
(a) At the request of a local community health board that licensed and inspected grocery and convenience stores on January 1, 1999, the commissioner must enter into agreements before January 1, 2001, with local community health boards to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers that are grocery or convenience stores. At the request of a local community health board that licensed and inspected part of any grocery or convenience store on January 1, 1999, the commissioner must enter into agreements before July 1, 2001, with local community health boards to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers that are grocery or convenience stores. At any time thereafter, the commissioner may enter into an agreement with a local community health board that licensed and inspected all or part of any grocery or convenience store on January 1, 1999, to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers such as grocery or convenience stores. Retail food handlers inspected under the state meat inspection program of chapter 31A are exempt from delegation. 

(b) A local community health board must adopt an ordinance consistent with the Minnesota Food Code, Minnesota Rules, chapter 4626, for all of its jurisdiction to regulate retail food handlers and the ordinance (Food Code) must not be in conflict with standards set in law or rule. 

(c) A fee to recover the estimated costs of enforcement of this chapter must be established by ordinance and must be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the actual cost of the licensing and inspection services. The fee must only be maintained and used for the estimated costs of enforcing this chapter.