This bill proposes the establishment of the Headwaters Community Food and Water Economic Resiliency Program within Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116J. It mandates the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to administer the program in consultation with an advisory committee.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Purpose:

   • Supports the creation and maintenance of local and regional regenerative food webs to address food, water, and climate challenges sustainably.

2. Methods of Implementation:

   • Provides financial and technical assistance to urban and rural producers engaged in organic regenerative food systems.
   • Supports physical infrastructure, including:
     • Facilities for food aggregation, storage, composting, greenhouses, seed saving, and water management systems.
     • Marketing and distribution hubs, such as neighborhood food commons and kitchens.
     • Existing hubs and learning centers.
       
   • Supports operational infrastructure, including:
     • Local food production, preparation, and preservation.
     • Neighborhood-based food commons.
     • Reusable storage, distribution, and waste elimination systems.
     • Emergency preparation and recovery operations.
     • Systems that remove transportation burdens from growers and producers.
   • Promotes revival of food cultures defined by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
   • Funds long-term research to support regenerative food growth and restore biodiversity.
   • Establishes a financial investment fund to train and recruit new food web workers, including BIPOC growers and culinary staff.
   • Provides affordable and accessible healthcare for participants in the food web system.
   • Creates a fund to make fruits and vegetables affordable for all income levels.

3. Advisory Committee Establishment:

   • Members appointed by the commissioner from urban and rural communities, including farmers, food hubs, restaurateurs, public health officials, and researchers.
   • Ensures representation from BIPOC leaders.
   • Advises on program eligibility, application processes, accountability, and public-private investment strategies.
   • Meets at least twice per year and does not expire.

4. Appropriation of Funds:

   • Allocates funding from the general fund in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the program’s implementation.

This bill aims to strengthen food resilience, economic sustainability, and equity in food systems across Minnesota through regenerative agriculture and localized food distribution initiatives.