2006 Minnesota Statutes

17.114 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE.
    Subdivision 1. Purpose. To assure the viability of agriculture in this state, the commissioner
shall investigate, demonstrate, report on, and make recommendations on the current and future
sustainability of agriculture in this state. The Department of Agriculture is the lead state agency
on sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management.
    Subd. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Sustainable agriculture" represents the best aspects of traditional and modern agriculture
by using a fundamental understanding of nature as well as the latest scientific advances to
create integrated, self-reliant, resource conserving practices that enhance the enrichment of the
environment and provide short- and long-term productive and economical agriculture.
(b) "Integrated pest management" means use of a combination of approaches, incorporating
the judicious application of ecological principles, management techniques, cultural and biological
controls, and chemical methods, to keep pests below levels where they do economic damage.
    Subd. 3. Duties. (a) The commissioner shall:
(1) establish a clearinghouse and provide information, appropriate educational opportunities
and other assistance to individuals, producers, and groups about sustainable agricultural
techniques, practices, and opportunities;
(2) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine information and
research needs in the area of sustainable agricultural practices;
(3) demonstrate the on-farm applicability of sustainable agriculture practices to conditions in
this state;
(4) coordinate the efforts of state agencies regarding activities relating to sustainable
agriculture;
(5) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the sustainability of
agriculture in this state;
(6) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support sustainable
agriculture practices;
(7) work closely with farmers, the University of Minnesota, and other appropriate
organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as assure coordination and avoid
duplication of state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension work relating to
sustainable agriculture; and
(8) report to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then to the house of
representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources,
and agriculture every even-numbered year.
(b) The report under paragraph (a), clause (8), must include:
(1) the presentation and analysis of findings regarding the current status and trends regarding
the economic condition of producers; the status of soil and water resources utilized by production
agriculture; the magnitude of off-farm inputs used; and the amount of nonrenewable resources
used by Minnesota farmers;
(2) a description of current state or federal programs directed toward sustainable agriculture
including significant results and experiences of those programs;
(3) a description of specific actions the Department of Agriculture is taking in the area
of sustainable agriculture;
(4) a description of current and future research needs at all levels in the area of sustainable
agriculture; and
(5) suggestions for changes in existing programs or policies or enactment of new programs
or policies that will affect farm profitability, maintain soil and water quality, reduce input costs, or
lessen dependence upon nonrenewable resources.
    Subd. 3a.[Repealed, 1994 c 557 s 6]
    Subd. 4. Integrated pest management. (a) The state shall promote and facilitate the use of
integrated pest management through education, technical or financial assistance, information and
research.
(b) The commissioner shall coordinate the development of a state approach to the promotion
and use of integrated pest management, which shall include delineation of the responsibilities
of the state, public postsecondary institutions, Minnesota Extension Service, local units of
government, and the private sector; establishment of information exchange and integration;
procedures for identifying research needs and reviewing and preparing informational materials;
procedures for factoring integrated pest management into state laws, rules, and uses of pesticides;
and identification of barriers to adoption.
(c) The commissioner shall report to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then
to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment,
natural resources, and agriculture every even-numbered year. The report shall be combined with
the report required in subdivision 3.
History: 1989 c 326 art 2 s 2; 1994 c 557 s 4-7; 1999 c 86 art 3 s 1,2