House Approves Agriculture Budget Bill
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House approved the Agriculture budget bill, funding $48 million in new investments for farmers, land, and food production in Minnesota. The bill includes a grain indemnity fund for farmers, provisions to increase food access, and protections for soil health. The final vote was 70 to 58.
“I’m proud to present a balanced budget that represents rural and urban farmers, big and small farmers, for the environment and sustainability of agriculture,” said Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Center), who Chairs the House Agriculture Committee. “Whether it’s protecting farmers, ensuring our soil remains healthy, or providing food for every Minnesotan – we are making sure Minnesota is a national leader.”
“When we support farmers, we are investing in our rural communities and ensuring our state has a strong agricultural economy and sustainable food supply for generations to come,” said Rep. Kristi Pursell (DFL Northfield), Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. “Whether it’s increasing support to first-generation and emerging farmers, promoting better soil and water practices, or passing the largest-ever investment in rural broadband, this agriculture bill will help Minnesotans all across our state.”
The bill provides funding for the Good Food Access Program, hunger relief grant funding for Second Harvest Heartland, increases funding for farm-to-school programs, and more, ensuring no Minnesotan goes without quality food.
The bill supports our farmers by increasing the capacity for the Rural Finance Authority to process low-interest loans quicker, increasing our international trade market capacity to grow markets for commodities, increasing funds for Farm Business Management, and investing in cooperative development grants to help early-stage agricultural cooperatives advance production and marketing.
“Agriculture is a pillar of Minnesota’s economy,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “House DFLers are making historic investments to ensure we have a sustainable food supply, build a more equitable and inclusive agriculture community, and support innovations.”
The budget also establishes a new state program - Grain Indemnity Fund - to protect grain farmers from grain elevator failures. The new program would be administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and would largely replace the existing surety bond requirements for grain buyers and grain warehouse operators.
“The House DFL supports farmers and producers, and we want our agriculture industries to thrive, especially family farmers,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long. “Farming isn’t just an economic engine for families and communities, it’s also a way of life for many Minnesotans. I want to thank Chair Vang for her hard work assembling a budget bill that honors our strong agriculture traditions and makes sure all Minnesotans have equitable opportunities to contribute.”
Video of the floor session will be available on the House Public Information Services YouTube channel.
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