Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to relocate the principal offices of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to an area outside the metropolitan counties. This repositioning targets fostering agricultural development and accessibility in rural areas.

Main Provisions

• Relocation Requirement: The bill mandates that by June 1, 2028, the primary offices of the Department of Agriculture must be situated outside the metropolitan counties.
• Definition Reference: The metropolitan counties are defined as per section 473.121, subdivision 4, of the Minnesota Statutes. This typically includes the counties surrounding Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Department Location: Presently, the Department of Agriculture is not restricted to locations outside the metropolitan area. This bill introduces a requirement for its principal offices to be established in non-metropolitan locations, representing a shift in departmental operations and accessibility, particularly for those in rural regions.

Relevant Terms

• Department of Agriculture
• Metropolitan Counties
• Rural Development
• Minnesota Statutes Section 473.121