THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING

STATE OF MINNESOTA THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-SECOND SESSION
AGRICULTURE FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Representative Mike Sundin, Chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, called the virtual meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, March 14, 2022, pursuant to House rule 10.01. The meeting was broadcast via Zoom and House Public Information Services.

The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll. A quorum was present.

Members present:
SUNDIN, Mike, CHAIR
VANG, Samantha, Vice Chair
ANDERSON, Paul, Minority Lead
BURKEL, John
ECKLUND, Rob
HANSEN, Rick
HANSON, Jessica
KLEVORN, Ginny
LIPPERT, Todd
LUECK, Dale
NELSON, Nathan
THOMPSON, John

Excused:
MILLER, Tim

Rep. Hanson, J. moved to approve adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion prevailed. The minutes from the March 9, 2022 meeting were adopted.

MN Department of Agriculture provided an update on their Emerging Farmers Working Group Legislative Report and the Emerging Farmers Office

Presenting:
Patrice Bailey, MDA, Assistant Commissioner
Lillian Otieno, MDA, Emerging Farmer Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Janssen Hang, MDA Emerging Farmers Working Group Member

HF 3263 (Vang) Farm down payment assistance program established, and money appropriated.

Rep. Vang moved that HF 3263 be laid over for possible inclusion in the supplemental finance bill.

Testifying:
Vong Thao, farmer
Tara Schulte
Rep. Vang renewed her motion, and HF 3263 was laid over for possible inclusion the supplemental finance bill.

HF 4111 (Vang) Cooperative grants established.

Rep. Vang moved that HF 4111 be laid over for possible inclusion in the supplemental finance bill.

Testifying:
Ben Penner, Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative
Stu Lourey, MN Farmers Union

Chair Sundin laid over HF 4111 for possible inclusion in the supplemental finance bill.


Chair Sundin adjourned the meeting at 2:11 P.M.



_______________________________
Representative Mike Sundin, Chair



_______________________________
Kyle Smith, Committee Legislative Assistant