Minnesota Legislature
SF 3018
Conference Committee Report - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 05/22/2016 02:25pm
KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
1.1CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON S.F. No. 3018
1.3relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to
1.4agricultural-related provisions; modifying certain agricultural-related
1.5appropriations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 17.53, subdivision
1.616; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122; 31.94; Minnesota Statutes 2015
1.7Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215; Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter
1.84, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
1.9Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4,
1.10article 2, section 81.
1.11May 22, 2016
1.12The Honorable Sandra L. Pappas
1.13President of the Senate
1.14The Honorable Kurt L. Daudt
1.15Speaker of the House of Representatives
1.16We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 3018 report that we have agreed upon
1.17the items in dispute and recommend as follows:
1.18That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 3018 be further
1.19amended as follows:
1.20Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:
"1.21 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 3.7371, is amended by adding a
1.22subdivision to read:
1.23 Subd. 8. Report. The commissioner must submit a report to the chairs of the house
1.24of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture
1.25and environment and natural resources by December 15 each year that details the total
1.26amount of damages paid, by elk herd, in the previous two fiscal years.
1.27 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 17.53, subdivision 16, is amended to read:
1.28 Subd. 16. Qualified voter. "Qualified voter" means a producer who would be
1.29subject to the payment of fees to finance the activities described in sections17.51 to
17.69
1.30and who shares directly in the profits and risk of loss from the agricultural operation
2.1which produces or grows the commodity, regardless of the Internal Revenue Service
2.2tax filing status of the producer.
2.3 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 18B.345, is amended to read:
2.418B.345 PESTICIDE APPLICATION ON GOLF COURSES.
2.5 (a) Application of a pesticide to the property of a golf course must be performed by:
2.6 (1) a structural pest control applicator; or
2.7 (2) a commercial or noncommercial pesticide applicatorwith appropriate use
2.8certification.
2.9 (b) Pesticides determined by the commissioner to be sanitizers and disinfectants are
2.10exempt from the requirements in paragraph (a).
2.11 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 28A.085, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.12 Subdivision 1. Violations; prohibited acts. The commissioner may charge a
2.13reinspection fee for each reinspection of a food handler that:
2.14(1) is found with a major violation of requirements in chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A,
2.1532, 33, or 34, or rules adopted under one of those chapters; or
2.16(2) is found with a violation of section
31.02,
31.161, or
31.165, and requires a
2.17follow-up inspection after an administrative meeting held pursuant to section
34A.06; or
2.18(3) (2) fails to correct equipment and facility deficiencies as required in rules adopted
2.19under chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, or 34.
2.20The first reinspection of a firm with gross food sales under $1,000,000 must be
2.21assessed at $150. The fee for a firm with gross food sales over $1,000,000 is $200. The
2.22fee for a subsequent reinspection of a firm for the same violation is 50 percent of their
2.23current license fee or $300, whichever is greater. The establishment must be issued written
2.24notice of violations with a reasonable date for compliance listed on the notice. An initial
2.25inspection relating to a complaint is not a reinspection.
2.26 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.122, is amended to read:
2.2731.122 FOOD; TOLERANCES FOR ADDED POISONOUS INGREDIENTS.
2.28Any added poisonous or deleterious substance, any food additive, any pesticide
2.29chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity or any color additive, shall with respect
2.30to any particular use or intended use be deemed unsafe for the purpose of application of
2.31section31.121, clause (b) 34A.02, clause (2), with respect to any food, unless there is in
2.32effect a rule pursuant to section31.101 limiting the quantity of such substance, and the use
2.33or intended use of such substance conforms to the terms prescribed by such rule. While
3.1such rules relating to such substance are in effect, a food shall not, by reason of bearing or
3.2containing such substance in accordance with the rules, be considered adulterated within
3.3the meaning of section31.121, clause (a) 34A.02, clause (1).
3.4 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.94, is amended to read:
3.531.94 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; COMMISSIONER DUTIES.
3.6(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the
3.7commissioner shall:
3.8(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine
3.9information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;
3.10(2) work with the University of Minnesota and other research and education
3.11institutions to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to
3.12conditions in this state;
3.13(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of
3.14organic agriculture in this state;
3.15(4) inform agenciesof how about state or federal programs could utilize and that
3.16support organic agriculture practices; and
3.17(5) work closely with producers, producer organizations, the University of
3.18Minnesota,the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate agencies and organizations
3.19to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of
3.20state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating
3.21to organic agriculture.
3.22(b) By November 15 of each year that ends in a zero or a five, the commissioner,
3.23in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of
3.24organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and
3.25divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report must include available data on
3.26organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of
3.27organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts
3.28that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.
3.29(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the
3.30University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in
3.31Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach,
3.32education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture
3.33community sector. The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:
3.34(1) three organic farmers;
3.35(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;
4.1(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;
4.2(4) two organic processors;
4.3(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;
4.4(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;
4.5(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;
4.6(8) two public members;
4.7(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;
4.8(10) one retailer of organic products; and
4.9(11) one organic consumer representative.
4.10The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural
4.11Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension and the
4.12dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, shall appoint
4.13members to serve three-year terms.
4.14Compensation and removal of members are governed by section15.059, subdivision
4.156 . The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, 2016 2019.
4.16(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and
4.17marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may
4.18receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or
4.19contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education
4.20or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address
4.21production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.
4.22(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production
4.23and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to
4.24Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and accredited certificationagents
4.25agencies operating within the state.
4.26 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 41A.14, is amended to read:
4.2741A.14 AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, EXTENSION, AND
4.28TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.
4.29 Subdivision 1. Duties; grants. The agriculture research, education, extension, and
4.30technology transfer grant program is created. The purpose of the grant program is to
4.31provide investments that will most efficiently achieve long-term agricultural productivity
4.32increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability. The scope and
4.33intent of the grants, to the extent possible, shall provide fora long-term base funding
4.34that allows theresearch grantee to continue the functions of the research, education, and
5.1extension, and technology transfer efforts to a practical conclusion. Priority for grants
5.2shall be given to human infrastructure. The commissioner shall provide grants for:
5.3(1) agricultural research, extension, and technology transfer needsand recipients
5.4including agricultural research and extension at the University of Minnesota, research and
5.5outreach centers, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the
5.6Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Minnesota Extension Service,
5.7the University of Minnesota Veterinary School, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,
5.8the Stakman-Borlaug Center, and the Minnesota Agriculture Fertilizer Research and
5.9Education Council; for use by any of the following:
5.10(i) the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences;
5.11(ii) the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station;
5.12(iii) the University of Minnesota Extension Service;
5.13(iv) the University of Minnesota Veterinary School;
5.14(v) the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; or
5.15(vi) the Stakman-Borlaug Center;
5.16(2) agriculture rapid response for plant and animal diseases and pests; and
5.17(3) agricultural education including but not limited to the Minnesota Agriculture
5.18Education Leadership Council, farm business management, mentoring programs, graduate
5.19debt forgiveness, and high school programs.
5.20 Subd. 2. Advisory panel. (a) In awarding grants under this section, the
5.21commissioner and a representative of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural
5.22Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota must consult with an advisory panel
5.23consisting of the following stakeholders:
5.24(1) a representative of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource
5.25Sciences at the University of Minnesota;
5.26(2) (1) a representative of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system;
5.27(3) (2) a representative of the Minnesota Farm Bureau;
5.28(4) (3) a representative of the Minnesota Farmers Union;
5.29(5) (4) a person representing agriculture industry statewide;
5.30(6) (5) a representative of each of the state commodity councils organized under
5.31section17.54 and the Minnesota Pork Board;
5.32(7) (6) a person representing an association of primary manufacturers of forest
5.33products;
5.34(8) (7) a person representing organic or sustainable agriculture; and
5.35(9) (8) a person representing statewide environment and natural resource
5.36conservation organizations.
6.1(b) Members under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3) and (5), shall be chosen by their
6.2respective organizations.
6.3 Subd. 3. Account. An agriculture research, education, extension, and technology
6.4transfer account is created in the agricultural fund in the state treasury. The account
6.5consists of money received in the form of gifts, grants, reimbursement, or appropriations
6.6from any source for any of the purposes provided in subdivision 1, and any interest or
6.7earnings of the account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of
6.8agriculture for the purposes under subdivision 1.
6.9EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
6.10 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.516, is amended to read:
6.1197B.516 ELK MANAGEMENT PLAN.
6.12(a) The commissioner of natural resources must adopt an elk management plan that:
6.13(1) recognizes the value and uniqueness of elk;
6.14(2) provides for integrated management of an elk population in harmony with the
6.15environment; and
6.16(3) affords optimum recreational opportunities.
6.17(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not manage an elk herd
6.18in a manner that would increase the size of the herd, including adoption or implementation
6.19of an elk management plan designed to increase an elk herd, unless the commissioner of
6.20agriculture verifies that crop and fence damages paid under section 3.7371 and attributed
6.21to the herd have not increased for at least two years.
6.22(c) At least 60 days prior to implementing a plan to increase an elk herd, the
6.23commissioners of natural resources and agriculture must hold a joint public meeting in the
6.24county where the elk herd to be increased is located. At the meeting, the commissioners
6.25must present evidence that crop and fence damages have not increased in the prior two years
6.26and must detail the practices that will be used to reduce elk conflicts with area landowners.
6.27EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
6.28 Sec. 9. [216B.1642] SOLAR SITE MANAGEMENT.
6.29 Subdivision 1. Site management practices. An owner of a ground-mounted solar
6.30site with a generating capacity of more than 40 kilowatts may follow site management
6.31practices that (1) provide native perennial vegetation and foraging habitat beneficial to
6.32gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators, and (2) reduce storm water runoff and erosion at
6.33the solar generation site. To the extent practicable, when establishing perennial vegetation
7.1and beneficial foraging habitat, a solar site owner shall use native plant species and seed
7.2mixes under Department of Natural Resources "Prairie Establishment & Maintenance
7.3Technical Guidance for Solar Projects."
7.4 Subd. 2. Recognition of beneficial habitat. An owner of a solar site implementing
7.5solar site management practices under this section may claim that the site provides
7.6benefits to gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators only if the site adheres to guidance set
7.7forth by the pollinator plan provided by the Board of Water and Soil Resources or any
7.8other gamebird, songbird, or pollinator foraging-friendly vegetation standard established
7.9by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. An owner making a beneficial habitat claim
7.10must make the site's vegetation management plan available to the public and provide a
7.11copy of the plan to a Minnesota nonprofit solar industry trade association.
7.12 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 583.215, is amended to read:
7.13583.215 EXPIRATION.
7.14Sections336.9-601 , subsections (h) and (i);
550.365 ;
559.209 ;
582.039 ; and
583.20
7.15to
583.32 , expire June 30, 2016 2018.
7.16EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
7.17 Sec. 11. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4,
7.18is amended to read:
7.21$4,483,000 the first year and $8,500,000 the
7.22second year are for transfer to the agriculture
7.23research, education, extension, and
7.24technology transfer account under Minnesota
7.25Statutes, section41A.14, subdivision 3 .
7.26The transfer in this paragraph includes
7.27money for plant breeders at the University
7.28of Minnesota for wild rice, potatoes, and
7.29grapes. Of these amounts, at least $600,000
7.30each year is foragriculture rapid response
7.31the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment
7.32Station's Agriculture Rapid Response Fund
7.33under Minnesota Statutes, section41A.14,
8.1subdivision 1 , clause (2). Of the amount
8.2appropriated in this paragraph, $1,000,000
8.3each year is for transfer to the Board of
8.4Regents of the University of Minnesota for
8.5research to determine (1) what is causing
8.6avian influenza, (2) why some fowl are more
8.7susceptible, and (3) prevention measures that
8.8can be taken. Of the amount appropriated
8.9in this paragraph, $2,000,000 each year
8.10is for grants to the Minnesota Agriculture
8.11Education Leadership Council to enhance
8.12agricultural education with priority given
8.13to Farm Business Management challenge
8.14grants. The commissioner shall transfer the
8.15remaining grant funds in this appropriation
8.16each year to the Board of Regents of the
8.17University of Minnesota for purposes of
8.18Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14.
8.19To the extent practicable, funds expended
8.20under Minnesota Statutes, section41A.14,
8.21subdivision 1 , clauses (1) and (2), must
8.22supplement and not supplant existing sources
8.23and levels of funding. The commissioner may
8.24use up to 4.5 percent of this appropriation
8.25for costs incurred to administer the program.
8.26Any unencumbered balance does not cancel
8.27at the end of the first year and is available for
8.28the second year.
8.29$10,235,000 the first year and $10,235,000
8.30the second year are for the agricultural
8.31growth, research, and innovation program
8.32in Minnesota Statutes, section41A.12 . No
8.33later than February 1, 2016, and February
8.341, 2017, the commissioner must report to
8.35the legislative committees with jurisdiction
8.36over agriculture policy and finance regarding
9.1the commissioner's accomplishments
9.2and anticipated accomplishments in
9.3the following areas: facilitating the
9.4start-up, modernization, or expansion of
9.5livestock operations including beginning
9.6and transitioning livestock operations;
9.7developing new markets for Minnesota
9.8farmers by providing more fruits, vegetables,
9.9meat, grain, and dairy for Minnesota school
9.10children; assisting value-added agricultural
9.11businesses to begin or expand, access new
9.12markets, or diversify products; developing
9.13urban agriculture; facilitating the start-up,
9.14modernization, or expansion of other
9.15beginning and transitioning farms including
9.16loans under Minnesota Statutes, section
9.1741B.056
; sustainable agriculture on farm
9.18research and demonstration; development or
9.19expansion of food hubs and other alternative
9.20community-based food distribution systems;
9.21and research on bioenergy, biobased content,
9.22or biobased formulated products and other
9.23renewable energy development. The
9.24commissioner may use up to 4.5 percent
9.25of this appropriation for costs incurred to
9.26administer the program. Any unencumbered
9.27balance does not cancel at the end of the first
9.28year and is available for the second year.
9.29Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
9.3016A.28
, the appropriations encumbered
9.31under contract on or before June 30, 2017, for
9.32agricultural growth, research, and innovation
9.33grants are available until June 30, 2019.
9.34The commissioner may use funds
9.35appropriated for the agricultural growth,
9.36research, and innovation program as provided
10.1in this paragraph. The commissioner may
10.2award grants to owners of Minnesota
10.3facilities producing bioenergy, biobased
10.4content, or a biobased formulated product;
10.5to organizations that provide for on-station,
10.6on-farm field scale research and outreach to
10.7develop and test the agronomic and economic
10.8requirements of diverse strands of prairie
10.9plants and other perennials for bioenergy
10.10systems; or to certain nongovernmental
10.11entities. For the purposes of this paragraph,
10.12"bioenergy" includes transportation fuels
10.13derived from cellulosic material, as well as
10.14the generation of energy for commercial heat,
10.15industrial process heat, or electrical power
10.16from cellulosic materials via gasification or
10.17other processes. Grants are limited to 50
10.18percent of the cost of research, technical
10.19assistance, or equipment related to bioenergy,
10.20biobased content, or biobased formulated
10.21product production or $500,000, whichever
10.22is less. Grants to nongovernmental entities
10.23for the development of business plans and
10.24structures related to community ownership
10.25of eligible bioenergy facilities together may
10.26not exceed $150,000. The commissioner
10.27shall make a good-faith effort to select
10.28projects that have merit and, when taken
10.29together, represent a variety of bioenergy
10.30technologies, biomass feedstocks, and
10.31geographic regions of the state. Projects
10.32must have a qualified engineer provide
10.33certification on the technology and fuel
10.34source. Grantees must provide reports at the
10.35request of the commissioner.
11.1Of the amount appropriated for the
11.2agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.3program in this subdivision, $1,000,000 the
11.4first year and $1,000,000 the second year
11.5are for distribution in equal amounts to each
11.6of the state's county fairs to preserve and
11.7promote Minnesota agriculture.
11.8Of the amount appropriated for the
11.9agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.10program in this subdivision, $500,000 in
11.11fiscal year 2016 and $1,500,000 in fiscal
11.12year 2017 are for incentive payments
11.13under Minnesota Statutes, sections41A.16 ,
11.1441A.17
, and
41A.18 . If the appropriation
11.15exceeds the total amount for which all
11.16producers are eligible in a fiscal year, the
11.17balance of the appropriation is available
11.18to the commissioner for the agricultural
11.19growth, research, and innovation program.
11.20Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
11.21section16A.28 , the first year appropriation
11.22is available until June 30, 2017, and the
11.23second year appropriation is available until
11.24June 30, 2018. The commissioner may use
11.25up to 4.5 percent of the appropriation for
11.26administration of the incentive payment
11.27programs.
11.28Of the amount appropriated for the
11.29agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.30program in this subdivision, $250,000
11.31the first year is for grants to communities
11.32to develop or expand food hubs and
11.33other alternative community-based food
11.34distribution systems. Of this amount,
11.35$50,000 is for the commissioner to consult
11.36with existing food hubs, alternative
12.1community-based food distribution systems,
12.2and University of Minnesota Extension
12.3to identify best practices for use by other
12.4Minnesota communities. No later than
12.5December 15, 2015, the commissioner must
12.6report to the legislative committees with
12.7jurisdiction over agriculture and health
12.8regarding the status of emerging alternative
12.9community-based food distribution systems
12.10in the state along with recommendations
12.11to eliminate any barriers to success. Any
12.12unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
12.13end of the first year and is available for the
12.14second year. This is a onetime appropriation.
12.15$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
12.16second year are for grants that enable
12.17retail petroleum dispensers to dispense
12.18biofuels to the public in accordance with the
12.19biofuel replacement goals established under
12.20Minnesota Statutes, section239.7911 . A
12.21retail petroleum dispenser selling petroleum
12.22for use in spark ignition engines for vehicle
12.23model years after 2000 is eligible for grant
12.24money under this paragraph if the retail
12.25petroleum dispenser has no more than 15
12.26retail petroleum dispensing sites and each
12.27site is located in Minnesota. The grant
12.28money received under this paragraph must
12.29be used for the installation of appropriate
12.30technology that uses fuel dispensing
12.31equipment appropriate for at least one fuel
12.32dispensing site to dispense gasoline that is
12.33blended with 15 percent of agriculturally
12.34derived, denatured ethanol, by volume, and
12.35appropriate technical assistance related to
12.36the installation. A grant award must not
13.1exceed 85 percent of the cost of the technical
13.2assistance and appropriate technology,
13.3including remetering of and retrofits for
13.4retail petroleum dispensers and replacement
13.5of petroleum dispenser projects. The
13.6commissioner may use up to $35,000 of this
13.7appropriation for administrative expenses.
13.8The commissioner shall cooperate with
13.9biofuel stakeholders in the implementation
13.10of the grant program. The commissioner
13.11must report to the legislative committees
13.12with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and
13.13finance by February 1 each year, detailing
13.14the number of grants awarded under this
13.15paragraph and the projected effect of the grant
13.16program on meeting the biofuel replacement
13.17goals under Minnesota Statutes, section
13.18239.7911
. These are onetime appropriations.
13.19$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second
13.20year are for grants to the Southern Minnesota
13.21Initiative Foundation to promote local foods
13.22through an annual event that raises public
13.23awareness of local foods and connects local
13.24food producers and processors with potential
13.25buyers.
13.26EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
13.27 Sec. 12. FARMER-LENDER MEDIATION TASK FORCE.
13.28The commissioner of agriculture must convene an advisory task force to provide
13.29recommendations to the legislature regarding the state's Farmer-Lender Mediation Act.
13.30The task force must be comprised of 14 members, including the commissioner or the
13.31commissioner's designee, one farm advocate appointed by the commissioner who is
13.32responsible for mediating debt between farmers and lenders, one adult farm business
13.33management instructor appointed by the commissioner and three farmers appointed by
13.34the commissioner, at least one of whom is a beginning or nontraditional farmer and at
14.1least one of whom has personal experience with the farmer-lender mediation program.
14.2The remaining membership of the task force consists of one member appointed by each
14.3of the following entities:
14.4(1) Minnesota Farm Bureau;
14.5(2) Minnesota Farmers Union;
14.6(3) Minnesota Bankers Association;
14.7(4) Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota;
14.8(5) Farm Credit Services - Minnesota State Federation;
14.9(6) Minnesota Credit Union Network;
14.10(7) Minnesota-South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association; and
14.11(8) University of Minnesota Extension.
14.12No later than February 1, 2017, the commissioner must report the task force's
14.13recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy
14.14and finance.
14.15 Sec. 13. FARM SAFETY INITIATIVE.
14.16(a) The commissioner of agriculture shall analyze the range of safety challenges
14.17presented in the operation of a farm. The commissioner's analysis shall include
14.18consultation with organizations in Minnesota that address issues of farm safety. The
14.19commissioner shall report the findings to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
14.20agricultural policy by February 1, 2017. The report must, at a minimum:
14.21(1) provide information on how other states in the Midwest, including but not limited
14.22to Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, address farm safety issues;
14.23(2) identify common safety issues faced by Minnesota farmers that need attention,
14.24including common causes of farm-related accidents;
14.25(3) identify how farm safety programs can better serve the growing farm labor
14.26population; and
14.27(4) make recommendations to the legislature on how to improve farm safety efforts
14.28in Minnesota.
14.29(b) By October 1, 2016, the commissioner of agriculture shall compile an inventory
14.30of farm safety programs and resources that are currently available in Minnesota. After
14.31compiling the inventory, the commissioner shall make available the inventory and promote
14.32to farm operators in Minnesota the farm safety programs and resources contained in
14.33the inventory.
14.34 Sec. 14. REPEALER.
15.1Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81, is repealed.
15.2EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
"15.3Delete the title and insert:
15.5relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to
15.6agriculture-related provisions and programs; providing for solar site management;
15.7modifying elk management plan; modifying a previous appropriation;
15.8establishing a Farmer-Lender Mediation Task Force and a Farm Safety Initiative;
15.9requiring reports;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 3.7371, by adding
15.10a subdivision; 17.53, subdivision 16; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122;
15.1131.94; 97B.516; Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215;
15.12Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4;
15.13proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing
15.14Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81.
"
1.3relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to
1.4agricultural-related provisions; modifying certain agricultural-related
1.5appropriations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 17.53, subdivision
1.616; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122; 31.94; Minnesota Statutes 2015
1.7Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215; Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter
1.84, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
1.9Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4,
1.10article 2, section 81.
1.11May 22, 2016
1.12The Honorable Sandra L. Pappas
1.13President of the Senate
1.14The Honorable Kurt L. Daudt
1.15Speaker of the House of Representatives
1.16We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 3018 report that we have agreed upon
1.17the items in dispute and recommend as follows:
1.18That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 3018 be further
1.19amended as follows:
1.20Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:
"1.21 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 3.7371, is amended by adding a
1.22subdivision to read:
1.23 Subd. 8. Report. The commissioner must submit a report to the chairs of the house
1.24of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture
1.25and environment and natural resources by December 15 each year that details the total
1.26amount of damages paid, by elk herd, in the previous two fiscal years.
1.27 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 17.53, subdivision 16, is amended to read:
1.28 Subd. 16. Qualified voter. "Qualified voter" means a producer who would be
1.29subject to the payment of fees to finance the activities described in sections
1.30and who shares directly in the profits and risk of loss from the agricultural operation
2.1which produces or grows the commodity, regardless of the Internal Revenue Service
2.2tax filing status of the producer.
2.3 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 18B.345, is amended to read:
2.418B.345 PESTICIDE APPLICATION ON GOLF COURSES.
2.5 (a) Application of a pesticide to the property of a golf course must be performed by:
2.6 (1) a structural pest control applicator; or
2.7 (2) a commercial or noncommercial pesticide applicator
2.8
2.9 (b) Pesticides determined by the commissioner to be sanitizers and disinfectants are
2.10exempt from the requirements in paragraph (a).
2.11 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 28A.085, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.12 Subdivision 1. Violations; prohibited acts. The commissioner may charge a
2.13reinspection fee for each reinspection of a food handler that:
2.14(1) is found with a major violation of requirements in chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A,
2.1532, 33, or 34, or rules adopted under one of those chapters; or
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19under chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, or 34.
2.20The first reinspection of a firm with gross food sales under $1,000,000 must be
2.21assessed at $150. The fee for a firm with gross food sales over $1,000,000 is $200. The
2.22fee for a subsequent reinspection of a firm for the same violation is 50 percent of their
2.23current license fee or $300, whichever is greater. The establishment must be issued written
2.24notice of violations with a reasonable date for compliance listed on the notice. An initial
2.25inspection relating to a complaint is not a reinspection.
2.26 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.122, is amended to read:
2.2731.122 FOOD; TOLERANCES FOR ADDED POISONOUS INGREDIENTS.
2.28Any added poisonous or deleterious substance, any food additive, any pesticide
2.29chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity or any color additive, shall with respect
2.30to any particular use or intended use be deemed unsafe for the purpose of application of
2.31section
2.32effect a rule pursuant to section
2.33or intended use of such substance conforms to the terms prescribed by such rule. While
3.1such rules relating to such substance are in effect, a food shall not, by reason of bearing or
3.2containing such substance in accordance with the rules, be considered adulterated within
3.3the meaning of section
3.4 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.94, is amended to read:
3.531.94 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; COMMISSIONER DUTIES.
3.6(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the
3.7commissioner shall:
3.8(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine
3.9information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;
3.10(2) work with the University of Minnesota and other research and education
3.11institutions to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to
3.12conditions in this state;
3.13(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of
3.14organic agriculture in this state;
3.15(4) inform agencies
3.16support organic agriculture practices; and
3.17(5) work closely with producers, producer organizations, the University of
3.18Minnesota,
3.19to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of
3.20state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating
3.21to organic agriculture.
3.22(b) By November 15 of each year that ends in a zero or a five, the commissioner,
3.23in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of
3.24organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and
3.25divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report must include available data on
3.26organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of
3.27organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts
3.28that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.
3.29(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the
3.30University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in
3.31Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach,
3.32education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture
3.33
3.34(1) three organic farmers;
3.35(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;
4.1(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;
4.2(4) two organic processors;
4.3(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;
4.4(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;
4.5(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;
4.6(8) two public members;
4.7(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;
4.8(10) one retailer of organic products; and
4.9(11) one organic consumer representative.
4.10The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural
4.11Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension and the
4.12dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, shall appoint
4.13members to serve three-year terms.
4.14Compensation and removal of members are governed by section
4.156
4.16(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and
4.17marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may
4.18receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or
4.19contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education
4.20or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address
4.21production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.
4.22(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production
4.23and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to
4.24Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and accredited certification
4.25agencies operating within the state.
4.26 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 41A.14, is amended to read:
4.2741A.14 AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, EXTENSION, AND
4.28TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.
4.29 Subdivision 1. Duties; grants. The agriculture research, education, extension, and
4.30technology transfer grant program is created. The purpose of the grant program is to
4.31provide investments that will most efficiently achieve long-term agricultural productivity
4.32increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability. The scope and
4.33intent of the grants, to the extent possible, shall provide for
4.34that allows the
5.1extension, and technology transfer efforts to a practical conclusion. Priority for grants
5.2shall be given to human infrastructure. The commissioner shall provide grants for:
5.3(1) agricultural research, extension, and technology transfer needs
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10(i) the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences;
5.11(ii) the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station;
5.12(iii) the University of Minnesota Extension Service;
5.13(iv) the University of Minnesota Veterinary School;
5.14(v) the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; or
5.15(vi) the Stakman-Borlaug Center;
5.16(2) agriculture rapid response for plant and animal diseases and pests; and
5.17(3) agricultural education including but not limited to the Minnesota Agriculture
5.18Education Leadership Council, farm business management, mentoring programs, graduate
5.19debt forgiveness, and high school programs.
5.20 Subd. 2. Advisory panel. (a) In awarding grants under this section, the
5.21commissioner and a representative of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural
5.22Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota must consult with an advisory panel
5.23consisting of the following stakeholders:
5.24
5.25
5.26
5.27
5.28
5.29
5.30
5.31section
5.32
5.33products;
5.34
5.35
5.36conservation organizations.
6.1(b) Members under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3) and (5), shall be chosen by their
6.2respective organizations.
6.3 Subd. 3. Account. An agriculture research, education, extension, and technology
6.4transfer account is created in the agricultural fund in the state treasury. The account
6.5consists of money received in the form of gifts, grants, reimbursement, or appropriations
6.6from any source for any of the purposes provided in subdivision 1, and any interest or
6.7earnings of the account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of
6.8agriculture for the purposes under subdivision 1.
6.9EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
6.10 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.516, is amended to read:
6.1197B.516 ELK MANAGEMENT PLAN.
6.12(a) The commissioner of natural resources must adopt an elk management plan that:
6.13(1) recognizes the value and uniqueness of elk;
6.14(2) provides for integrated management of an elk population in harmony with the
6.15environment; and
6.16(3) affords optimum recreational opportunities.
6.17(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not manage an elk herd
6.18in a manner that would increase the size of the herd, including adoption or implementation
6.19of an elk management plan designed to increase an elk herd, unless the commissioner of
6.20agriculture verifies that crop and fence damages paid under section 3.7371 and attributed
6.21to the herd have not increased for at least two years.
6.22(c) At least 60 days prior to implementing a plan to increase an elk herd, the
6.23commissioners of natural resources and agriculture must hold a joint public meeting in the
6.24county where the elk herd to be increased is located. At the meeting, the commissioners
6.25must present evidence that crop and fence damages have not increased in the prior two years
6.26and must detail the practices that will be used to reduce elk conflicts with area landowners.
6.27EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
6.28 Sec. 9. [216B.1642] SOLAR SITE MANAGEMENT.
6.29 Subdivision 1. Site management practices. An owner of a ground-mounted solar
6.30site with a generating capacity of more than 40 kilowatts may follow site management
6.31practices that (1) provide native perennial vegetation and foraging habitat beneficial to
6.32gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators, and (2) reduce storm water runoff and erosion at
6.33the solar generation site. To the extent practicable, when establishing perennial vegetation
7.1and beneficial foraging habitat, a solar site owner shall use native plant species and seed
7.2mixes under Department of Natural Resources "Prairie Establishment & Maintenance
7.3Technical Guidance for Solar Projects."
7.4 Subd. 2. Recognition of beneficial habitat. An owner of a solar site implementing
7.5solar site management practices under this section may claim that the site provides
7.6benefits to gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators only if the site adheres to guidance set
7.7forth by the pollinator plan provided by the Board of Water and Soil Resources or any
7.8other gamebird, songbird, or pollinator foraging-friendly vegetation standard established
7.9by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. An owner making a beneficial habitat claim
7.10must make the site's vegetation management plan available to the public and provide a
7.11copy of the plan to a Minnesota nonprofit solar industry trade association.
7.12 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 583.215, is amended to read:
7.13583.215 EXPIRATION.
7.14Sections
7.16EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
7.17 Sec. 11. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4,
7.18is amended to read:
| 7.19 7.20 |
Subd. 4.Agriculture, Bioenergy, and Bioproduct Advancement |
14,993,000 |
19,010,000 |
||||
7.22second year are for transfer to the agriculture
7.23research, education, extension, and
7.24technology transfer account under Minnesota
7.25Statutes, section
7.26The transfer in this paragraph includes
7.27money for plant breeders at the University
7.28of Minnesota for wild rice, potatoes, and
7.29grapes. Of these amounts, at least $600,000
7.30each year is for
7.31the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment
7.32Station's Agriculture Rapid Response Fund
7.33under Minnesota Statutes, section
8.1subdivision 1
8.2appropriated in this paragraph, $1,000,000
8.3each year is for transfer to the Board of
8.4Regents of the University of Minnesota for
8.5research to determine (1) what is causing
8.6avian influenza, (2) why some fowl are more
8.7susceptible, and (3) prevention measures that
8.8can be taken. Of the amount appropriated
8.9in this paragraph, $2,000,000 each year
8.10is for grants to the Minnesota Agriculture
8.11Education Leadership Council to enhance
8.12agricultural education with priority given
8.13to Farm Business Management challenge
8.14grants. The commissioner shall transfer the
8.15remaining grant funds in this appropriation
8.16each year to the Board of Regents of the
8.17University of Minnesota for purposes of
8.18Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14.
8.19To the extent practicable, funds expended
8.20under Minnesota Statutes, section
8.21subdivision 1
8.22supplement and not supplant existing sources
8.23and levels of funding. The commissioner may
8.24use up to 4.5 percent of this appropriation
8.25for costs incurred to administer the program.
8.26Any unencumbered balance does not cancel
8.27at the end of the first year and is available for
8.28the second year.
8.29$10,235,000 the first year and $10,235,000
8.30the second year are for the agricultural
8.31growth, research, and innovation program
8.32in Minnesota Statutes, section
8.33later than February 1, 2016, and February
8.341, 2017, the commissioner must report to
8.35the legislative committees with jurisdiction
8.36over agriculture policy and finance regarding
9.1the commissioner's accomplishments
9.2and anticipated accomplishments in
9.3the following areas: facilitating the
9.4start-up, modernization, or expansion of
9.5livestock operations including beginning
9.6and transitioning livestock operations;
9.7developing new markets for Minnesota
9.8farmers by providing more fruits, vegetables,
9.9meat, grain, and dairy for Minnesota school
9.10children; assisting value-added agricultural
9.11businesses to begin or expand, access new
9.12markets, or diversify products; developing
9.13urban agriculture; facilitating the start-up,
9.14modernization, or expansion of other
9.15beginning and transitioning farms including
9.16loans under Minnesota Statutes, section
9.18research and demonstration; development or
9.19expansion of food hubs and other alternative
9.20community-based food distribution systems;
9.21and research on bioenergy, biobased content,
9.22or biobased formulated products and other
9.23renewable energy development. The
9.24commissioner may use up to 4.5 percent
9.25of this appropriation for costs incurred to
9.26administer the program. Any unencumbered
9.27balance does not cancel at the end of the first
9.28year and is available for the second year.
9.29Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
9.31under contract on or before June 30, 2017, for
9.32agricultural growth, research, and innovation
9.33grants are available until June 30, 2019.
9.34The commissioner may use funds
9.35appropriated for the agricultural growth,
9.36research, and innovation program as provided
10.1in this paragraph. The commissioner may
10.2award grants to owners of Minnesota
10.3facilities producing bioenergy, biobased
10.4content, or a biobased formulated product;
10.5to organizations that provide for on-station,
10.6on-farm field scale research and outreach to
10.7develop and test the agronomic and economic
10.8requirements of diverse strands of prairie
10.9plants and other perennials for bioenergy
10.10systems; or to certain nongovernmental
10.11entities. For the purposes of this paragraph,
10.12"bioenergy" includes transportation fuels
10.13derived from cellulosic material, as well as
10.14the generation of energy for commercial heat,
10.15industrial process heat, or electrical power
10.16from cellulosic materials via gasification or
10.17other processes. Grants are limited to 50
10.18percent of the cost of research, technical
10.19assistance, or equipment related to bioenergy,
10.20biobased content, or biobased formulated
10.21product production or $500,000, whichever
10.22is less. Grants to nongovernmental entities
10.23for the development of business plans and
10.24structures related to community ownership
10.25of eligible bioenergy facilities together may
10.26not exceed $150,000. The commissioner
10.27shall make a good-faith effort to select
10.28projects that have merit and, when taken
10.29together, represent a variety of bioenergy
10.30technologies, biomass feedstocks, and
10.31geographic regions of the state. Projects
10.32must have a qualified engineer provide
10.33certification on the technology and fuel
10.34source. Grantees must provide reports at the
10.35request of the commissioner.
11.1Of the amount appropriated for the
11.2agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.3program in this subdivision, $1,000,000 the
11.4first year and $1,000,000 the second year
11.5are for distribution in equal amounts to each
11.6of the state's county fairs to preserve and
11.7promote Minnesota agriculture.
11.8Of the amount appropriated for the
11.9agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.10program in this subdivision, $500,000 in
11.11fiscal year 2016 and $1,500,000 in fiscal
11.12year 2017 are for incentive payments
11.13under Minnesota Statutes, sections
11.15exceeds the total amount for which all
11.16producers are eligible in a fiscal year, the
11.17balance of the appropriation is available
11.18to the commissioner for the agricultural
11.19growth, research, and innovation program.
11.20Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
11.21section
11.22is available until June 30, 2017, and the
11.23second year appropriation is available until
11.24June 30, 2018. The commissioner may use
11.25up to 4.5 percent of the appropriation for
11.26administration of the incentive payment
11.27programs.
11.28Of the amount appropriated for the
11.29agricultural growth, research, and innovation
11.30program in this subdivision, $250,000
11.31the first year is for grants to communities
11.32to develop or expand food hubs and
11.33other alternative community-based food
11.34distribution systems. Of this amount,
11.35$50,000 is for the commissioner to consult
11.36with existing food hubs, alternative
12.1community-based food distribution systems,
12.2and University of Minnesota Extension
12.3to identify best practices for use by other
12.4Minnesota communities. No later than
12.5December 15, 2015, the commissioner must
12.6report to the legislative committees with
12.7jurisdiction over agriculture and health
12.8regarding the status of emerging alternative
12.9community-based food distribution systems
12.10in the state along with recommendations
12.11to eliminate any barriers to success. Any
12.12unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
12.13end of the first year and is available for the
12.14second year. This is a onetime appropriation.
12.15$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
12.16second year are for grants that enable
12.17retail petroleum dispensers to dispense
12.18biofuels to the public in accordance with the
12.19biofuel replacement goals established under
12.20Minnesota Statutes, section
12.21retail petroleum dispenser selling petroleum
12.22for use in spark ignition engines for vehicle
12.23model years after 2000 is eligible for grant
12.24money under this paragraph if the retail
12.25petroleum dispenser has no more than 15
12.26retail petroleum dispensing sites and each
12.27site is located in Minnesota. The grant
12.28money received under this paragraph must
12.29be used for the installation of appropriate
12.30technology that uses fuel dispensing
12.31equipment appropriate for at least one fuel
12.32dispensing site to dispense gasoline that is
12.33blended with 15 percent of agriculturally
12.34derived, denatured ethanol, by volume, and
12.35appropriate technical assistance related to
12.36the installation. A grant award must not
13.1exceed 85 percent of the cost of the technical
13.2assistance and appropriate technology,
13.3including remetering of and retrofits for
13.4retail petroleum dispensers and replacement
13.5of petroleum dispenser projects. The
13.6commissioner may use up to $35,000 of this
13.7appropriation for administrative expenses.
13.8The commissioner shall cooperate with
13.9biofuel stakeholders in the implementation
13.10of the grant program. The commissioner
13.11must report to the legislative committees
13.12with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and
13.13finance by February 1 each year, detailing
13.14the number of grants awarded under this
13.15paragraph and the projected effect of the grant
13.16program on meeting the biofuel replacement
13.17goals under Minnesota Statutes, section
13.19$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second
13.20year are for grants to the Southern Minnesota
13.21Initiative Foundation to promote local foods
13.22through an annual event that raises public
13.23awareness of local foods and connects local
13.24food producers and processors with potential
13.25buyers.
13.26EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
13.27 Sec. 12. FARMER-LENDER MEDIATION TASK FORCE.
13.28The commissioner of agriculture must convene an advisory task force to provide
13.29recommendations to the legislature regarding the state's Farmer-Lender Mediation Act.
13.30The task force must be comprised of 14 members, including the commissioner or the
13.31commissioner's designee, one farm advocate appointed by the commissioner who is
13.32responsible for mediating debt between farmers and lenders, one adult farm business
13.33management instructor appointed by the commissioner and three farmers appointed by
13.34the commissioner, at least one of whom is a beginning or nontraditional farmer and at
14.1least one of whom has personal experience with the farmer-lender mediation program.
14.2The remaining membership of the task force consists of one member appointed by each
14.3of the following entities:
14.4(1) Minnesota Farm Bureau;
14.5(2) Minnesota Farmers Union;
14.6(3) Minnesota Bankers Association;
14.7(4) Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota;
14.8(5) Farm Credit Services - Minnesota State Federation;
14.9(6) Minnesota Credit Union Network;
14.10(7) Minnesota-South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association; and
14.11(8) University of Minnesota Extension.
14.12No later than February 1, 2017, the commissioner must report the task force's
14.13recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy
14.14and finance.
14.15 Sec. 13. FARM SAFETY INITIATIVE.
14.16(a) The commissioner of agriculture shall analyze the range of safety challenges
14.17presented in the operation of a farm. The commissioner's analysis shall include
14.18consultation with organizations in Minnesota that address issues of farm safety. The
14.19commissioner shall report the findings to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
14.20agricultural policy by February 1, 2017. The report must, at a minimum:
14.21(1) provide information on how other states in the Midwest, including but not limited
14.22to Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, address farm safety issues;
14.23(2) identify common safety issues faced by Minnesota farmers that need attention,
14.24including common causes of farm-related accidents;
14.25(3) identify how farm safety programs can better serve the growing farm labor
14.26population; and
14.27(4) make recommendations to the legislature on how to improve farm safety efforts
14.28in Minnesota.
14.29(b) By October 1, 2016, the commissioner of agriculture shall compile an inventory
14.30of farm safety programs and resources that are currently available in Minnesota. After
14.31compiling the inventory, the commissioner shall make available the inventory and promote
14.32to farm operators in Minnesota the farm safety programs and resources contained in
14.33the inventory.
14.34 Sec. 14. REPEALER.
15.1Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81, is repealed.
15.2EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
"15.3Delete the title and insert:
15.5relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to
15.6agriculture-related provisions and programs; providing for solar site management;
15.7modifying elk management plan; modifying a previous appropriation;
15.8establishing a Farmer-Lender Mediation Task Force and a Farm Safety Initiative;
15.9requiring reports;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 3.7371, by adding
15.10a subdivision; 17.53, subdivision 16; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122;
15.1131.94; 97B.516; Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215;
15.12Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4;
15.13proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing
15.14Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81.
"