SF 1993

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 10/07/2015 02:15pm

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; creating the agriculture research, education, extension,
and technology transfer grant program; appropriating money; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41A.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [41A.14] AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Duties; grants. new text end

new text begin The agriculture research, education, extension, and
technology transfer grant program is created. The purpose of the grant program is to
provide investments that will most efficiently achieve long-term agricultural productivity
increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability. Priority for grants
shall be given to human infrastructure. The commissioner shall provide grants for:
new text end

new text begin (1) agricultural research and technology transfer needs and recipients including, but
not limited to, agricultural research and extension at the University of Minnesota, research
and outreach centers, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences,
the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Minnesota Extension,
the University of Minnesota Veterinary School, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,
the Stakman-Borlaug Center, and the Minnesota Agriculture Fertilizer Research and
Education Council;
new text end

new text begin (2) agriculture rapid response for plant and animal diseases and pests; and
new text end

new text begin (3) agricultural education including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Agriculture
Education Leadership Council, farm business management, mentoring programs, graduate
debt forgiveness, and high school programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Fund. new text end

new text begin An agriculture research, education, extension, and technology
transfer fund is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of money received in the form
of gifts, grants, reimbursement, or appropriations from any source for any of the purposes
provided in subdivision 1, and any interest or earnings of the fund. Money in the fund is
appropriated to the commissioner of agriculture for the purposes under subdivision 1.
new text end

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

new text begin (a) $18,750,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $18,750,000 in fiscal year 2017 are
appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for transfer to the
fund created in Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14, subdivision 2. Of these amounts:
new text end

new text begin (1) at least $2,000,000 each year is for agriculture rapid response under Minnesota
Statutes, section 41A.14, subdivision 1, clause (2); and
new text end

new text begin (2) at least $2,400,000 each year is for agricultural education under Minnesota
Statutes, section 41A.14, subdivision 1, clause (3).
new text end

new text begin (b) To the extent practicable, funds expended under Minnesota Statutes, section
41A.14, subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2), must supplement and not supplant existing
sources and levels of funding.
new text end