HF1524

This bill establishes the Minnesota 4R Agricultural Grants Program to promote nutrient management practices among farmers. The program is administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture, who will award grants to agricultural retailers that encourage the use of nutrient management techniques.

Key Provisions:

1. Eligibility:

   • Agricultural retailers must be licensed under Minnesota law.
   • They must be certified or making progress toward certification under the 4R nutrient stewardship program (administered by the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers Association).

2. Approved Practices:

   • The Commissioner will create a list of approved nutrient management practices, including:
     • Soil testing every four years.
     • Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers.
     • Variable rate nutrient application.
     • Nutrient or manure management plans.
     • In-season nutrient management.
     • Timing recommendations for fertilizer application.
     • Cover crops to improve nutrient cycling.
     • Irrigation water management.
     • Edge-of-field practices to reduce runoff.
     • Erosion management (e.g., no-till farming).
     • Precision agriculture technologies to optimize nutrient use.
     • Conservation crop rotation with perennials.

3. Grant Payments:

   • $5,000 to agricultural retailers that achieve certification.
   • Up to $0.50 per acre for retailers working with farmers to use approved practices.
   • Up to $0.25 per acre for nutrient plans developed by certified professionals.
   • Additional grants for 4R training programs for farmers.

4. Data Privacy:

   • Grower-specific data, including farm maps, fertilizer recommendations, and contact details, will be classified as nonpublic data.
   • Statistical reports may be published, but individual grantees must remain anonymous.

5. Funding:

   • Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund.
   • The Department of Agriculture may use up to 10% of the funds for program administration.

Purpose:

This program is designed to improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff, and enhance sustainable farming practices through financial incentives for agricultural retailers promoting responsible nutrient management.