HF 4170

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; establishing a grant program for certain beef producers;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 17.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [17.121] STEERING AHEAD GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this
section.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Qualifying expenditure" means an expenditure to acquire beef cattle breeding
stock or capital equipment employed to raise beef cattle or transport them to market,
including, but not limited to, fencing, manure management equipment and systems, and
cattle trailers.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Zone" means a split state zone designated by the United States Department of
Agriculture as modified accredited or accreditation preparatory for bovine tuberculosis.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin Recognizing the burdens imposed on cattle producers by a
downgraded bovine tuberculosis status and the importance of the livestock industry to this
state's heritage and economy, the purpose of the steering ahead grant program is to achieve
no net loss in the number of beef cattle raised in the zone.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may award a grant to a person eligible under
subdivision 4. The commissioner may award multiple grants to a person over the life of the
program as long as the cumulative amount awarded to a person does not exceed $20,000.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin To be eligible for a grant, a person must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be the principal operator of a beef cattle operation located wholly or partially
within the zone or a person who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner the
intention to start a new or acquire an existing beef cattle operation located wholly or
partially within the zone;
new text end

new text begin (2) be a resident of Minnesota or an entity authorized to farm in this state under
section 500.24, subdivision 3; and
new text end

new text begin (3) make a qualifying expenditure and apply to the commissioner on forms
prescribed by the commissioner including a statement of qualifying expenditures along
with any proof or other documentation the commissioner may require.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires five years after the United States
Department of Agriculture publishes notice in the Federal Register that the entire state
has achieved a bovine tuberculosis status of modified accredited advanced or accredited
free, whichever comes first.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2009 from the general fund to the commissioner
of agriculture for the steering ahead grant program in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.121.
new text end