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

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; FARM-TO-INSTITUTION COORDINATORS.
 1.6 	$800,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.7 	of agriculture to contract with individuals and organizations to serve as regional 
1.8 	farm-to-institution coordinators. Regional farm-to-institution coordinators shall:
1.9 	(1) provide community-based regional marketing assistance to farmers seeking to 
1.10 	participate in farm-to-institution markets, including schools, early childhood education and 
1.11 	care providers, hospitals, restaurants, and additional potential markets;
1.12 	(2) facilitate relationships and collaboration for local food system development; and
1.13 	(3) provide technical assistance to producers, buyers, and other relevant stakeholders.
1.14 	The commissioner may use up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation to administer the contracts 
1.15 	in this section.