HF 1107

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/19/2015 01:50pm

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

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

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

new text begin $1,100,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $1,100,000 in fiscal year 2017 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for a grant in each year to
Second Harvest Heartland on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks that serve
Minnesota to compensate agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred
to harvest and package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural
commodities that would otherwise go unharvested, be discarded, or be sold in a secondary
market. Surplus commodities must be distributed statewide to food shelves and other
charitable organizations that are eligible to receive food from the food banks. Surplus
food acquired under this appropriation must be from Minnesota producers and processors.
When required by the commissioner, Second Harvest Heartland must report to the
commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner on the use of the grant money
under this section. Second Harvest Heartland may use up to 11 percent of the grant for
administrative expenses and up to four percent of the grant for transportation expenses.
This appropriation is added to the base of the agency.
new text end