HF 2472

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/07/2024 04:25pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; establishing a new program for systemic pesticide-treated
seed; establishing a new account in the agricultural fund; appropriating money;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 21.81, by adding a subdivision; 21.85,
by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 21.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 21.81, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 35. new text end

new text begin Systemic pesticide. new text end

new text begin "Systemic pesticide" means a pesticide designed to be
absorbed by plants and translocated throughout plant tissue. Systemic pesticides include:
new text end

new text begin (1) acetamiprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, nitenpyram,
thiacloprid, fipronil, flupyradifurone, sulfoxaflor, cyantraniliprole, or chlorantraniliprole;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) any other pesticide determined by the commissioner to be a systemic pesticide,
including any chemical belonging to the neonicotinoid or anthranilic diamide class.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 21.85, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Systemic pesticide-treated seed program. new text end

new text begin By January 1, 2026, the
commissioner must develop a program for the regulation of systemic pesticide-treated seed,
and do the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) account for the total quantity of systemic pesticide-treated seed purchased and used
in the state, as well as the total acreage and location where systemic pesticide-treated seed
is applied each year;
new text end

new text begin (2) ensure that all treated seed used in the state is subject to any regulatory restrictions
necessary to protect human health and the environment, including but not limited to
pollinating insects, birds, and aquatic ecosystems from exposure to systemic insecticides;
new text end

new text begin (3) require formal verification of need prior to the use of systemic pesticide-treated seed
except where systemic pesticide-treated seed is the only commercially available option. At
a minimum, the commissioner must require written certification from a trained and approved
individual for each use of systemic pesticide-treated field crop seed, verifying that, for the
time and location, the use would be effective in addressing a demonstrable pest problem;
new text end

new text begin (4) study the use, efficacy, and environmental and health impacts of systemic
pesticide-treated seed use in the state;
new text end

new text begin (5) develop and disseminate educational materials and best management practices for
the use of systemic pesticide-treated seed; and
new text end

new text begin (6) collaborate with the University of Minnesota in developing and implementing the
systemic pesticide-treated seed program. This collaboration may include the evaluation of
national and international research on treated seed for its applicability to Minnesota-specific
conditions to ensure a sound understanding of efficacy of seed treatment rates, scouting
techniques, pest pressures, economic thresholds, and planting technology differences.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [21.93] SYSTEMIC PESTICIDE-TREATED SEED ALTERNATIVES
ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin The systemic pesticide-treated seed alternatives account is established in the agricultural
fund. Money in the account, including interest, is appropriated to the University of Minnesota
for research and outreach regarding nonchemical pest prevention methods that may serve
as an alternative to the use of systemic pesticide-treated seed. This money may be used to
award competitive grants.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SYSTEMIC PESTICIDE-TREATED SEED PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
agriculture to implement the systemic pesticide-treated seed program. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SYSTEMIC PESTICIDE-TREATED SEED
ALTERNATIVES ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the systemic
pesticide-treated seed alternatives account.
new text end