Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

SF 698

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/23/2012 09:08am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
Line numbers 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; appropriating money to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota for the agriculture experiment station and the Minnesota
Extension Service; requiring a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; AGRICULTURE AND EXTENSION SERVICE;
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2012 and $....... in fiscal year 2013 are appropriated from the
general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the agriculture
experiment station and the Minnesota Extension Service.
new text end

new text begin (b) The agricultural experiment stations and Minnesota Extension Service must
convene agricultural advisory groups to focus research, education, and extension activities
on producer needs and implement an outreach strategy that more effectively and rapidly
transfers research results and best practices to producers throughout the state.
new text end

new text begin (c) This appropriation includes funding for research and outreach on the production
of renewable energy from Minnesota biomass resources, including agronomic crops,
plant and animal wastes, and native plants or trees. The following areas should be
prioritized and carried out in consultation with Minnesota producers, renewable energy,
and bioenergy organizations:
new text end

new text begin (1) biofuel and other energy production from perennial crops, small grains, row
crops, and forestry products in conjunction with the Natural Resources Research Institute
(NRRI);
new text end

new text begin (2) alternative bioenergy crops and cropping systems; and
new text end

new text begin (3) biofuel coproducts used for livestock feed.
new text end

new text begin (d) This appropriation includes funding for the College of Food, Agricultural, and
Natural Resources Sciences to establish and provide leadership for organic agronomic,
horticultural, livestock, and food systems research, education, and outreach and for
the purchase of state-of-the-art laboratory, planting, tilling, harvesting, and processing
equipment necessary for this project.
new text end

new text begin (e) This appropriation includes funding for research efforts that demonstrate a
renewed emphasis on the needs of the state's agriculture community. The following areas
should be prioritized and carried out in consultation with Minnesota farm organizations:
new text end

new text begin (1) vegetable crop research with priority for extending the Minnesota vegetable
growing season;
new text end

new text begin (2) fertilizer and soil fertility research and development;
new text end

new text begin (3) soil, groundwater, and surface water conservation practices and contaminant
reduction research;
new text end

new text begin (4) discovering and developing plant varieties that use nutrients more efficiently;
new text end

new text begin (5) breeding and development of turf seed and other biomass resources in all three
Minnesota biomes;
new text end

new text begin (6) development of new disease-resistant and pest-resistant varieties of turf and
agronomic crops;
new text end

new text begin (7) utilizing plant and livestock cells to treat and cure human diseases;
new text end

new text begin (8) the development of dairy coproducts;
new text end

new text begin (9) a rapid agricultural response fund for current or emerging animal, plant, and
insect problems affecting production or food safety;
new text end

new text begin (10) crop pest and animal disease research;
new text end

new text begin (11) developing animal agriculture that is capable of sustainably feeding the world;
new text end

new text begin (12) consumer food safety education and outreach;
new text end

new text begin (13) programs to meet the research and outreach needs of organic livestock and
crop farmers; and
new text end

new text begin (14) alternative bioenergy crops and cropping systems; and growing, harvesting,
and transporting biomass plant material.
new text end

new text begin (f) By February 1, 2013, the Board of Regents must submit a report to the legislative
committees with responsibility for agriculture and higher education finance on the status
and outcomes of research and initiatives funded in this section.
new text end