HF2785

HF2785 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Appropriation for the farm to school and early care program expanded, and eligibility for the farm to school and early care program modified.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance and expand the "Farm to School and Early Care Program" in Minnesota. It seeks to adjust the eligibility criteria and increase funding for related agricultural programs, focusing on providing healthy food options for children in educational settings while supporting local farmers.

Main Provisions

Increased Funding: The bill proposes an appropriations increase for the "Farm to School and Early Care Program," which supports providing fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, grains, and dairy to schools and early care settings.
Eligibility Expansion: To qualify for grants, organizations must now source at least 70% of their produce from Minnesota and from farmers with limited market access. They must also participate in the National School Lunch Program or the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Coordinator Role: Allocates $150,000 for a statewide coordinator to oversee farm-to-institution strategies, enabling better implementation and guidance to participants.
Research and Education Support: Funds are also designated for research on avian influenza and other related agricultural projects, ensuring farms and agricultural systems can keep up with health and safety standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Modification of Eligibility: The bill modifies existing requirements for organizations to receive funding under the farm to school program, specifically by setting local sourcing standards and ensuring food is procured from specific types of farms.
Funding Adjustments: The increase and distribution of funds reflect a shift in focus towards early childhood nutrition and supporting small-scale, local farmers, thereby strengthening community-based agricultural infrastructure.

Relevant Terms

farm to school, early care program, appropriation, eligibility, local farmers, National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, agricultural research, avian influenza, urban agriculture, dairy assistance, food access program.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Agriculture Finance and Policy
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Agriculture Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill relates to the appropriation and transfer of funds for the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer program.",
      "modified": [
        "Details the transfer to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "41A.14",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allocation of funds under the good food access program."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies funding for the good food access program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "17.1017",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to the biofuel replacement goals and grants associated with them.",
      "modified": [
        "Conditions under which retail petroleum dispensers are eligible for grant money."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "239.7911",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The agricultural growth, research, and innovation program appropriation is detailed.",
      "modified": [
        "Allocation among startup, modernization, improvement, or expansion of livestock and other agricultural operations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "41A.12",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides loans as part of the agricultural growth, research, and innovation program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41B.056",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Incentive payments for renewable energy infrastructure and use.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.16",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Incentive payments related to crop research and innovation programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.17",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Offers incentives tied to agricultural growth programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.18",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Discusses further incentive payments for the agricultural innovation program.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.20",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Pertains to the availability and usability of appropriations beyond a fiscal year.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines terms for carrying forward unencumbered balances."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.28",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill addresses criteria for farmers with limited market access.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "17.133",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlines administrative cost exclusions relating to specific financial apportionments.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16B.98",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 14"
  }
]