HF525

Purpose

This bill provides a one-time transfer of funds in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Agriculture Research Education Extension and Technology Transfer account to support the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota. The goal is to protect Minnesota’s natural resources while boosting farm efficiency, profitability, and productivity through the use of perennial and winter-annual crops in existing farming practices.

Main provisions

• One-time transfer: In FY 2026, money is transferred from the general fund to the Agriculture Research Education Extension and Technology Transfer account (as defined in Minnesota Statutes 41A.14, subdivision 3).
• Recipient and program: Funds are designated to the University of Minnesota for the Forever Green Initiative.
• Purpose of funds: To fund research, education, extension, and technology transfer activities that promote the incorporation of perennial crops and winter-annual crops into current agricultural practices.
• Intended outcomes: Protect natural resources (e.g., soil and water), while increasing efficiency, profitability, and productivity for Minnesota farmers.

Significance and potential impact

• Change to existing law: Establishes a one-time funding transfer rather than creating a new ongoing appropriation.
• Focus areas: Agricultural sustainability, crop diversification, and resource protection through perennial and winter-annual cropping systems.
• Long-term implications: Encourages adoption of new cropping practices that may improve environmental outcomes and farm economics.

What this bill seeks to accomplish

• Strengthen the Forever Green Initiative by providing targeted funding.
• Support the University of Minnesota’s role in research, education, and outreach related to perennial and winter-annual crops.
• Advance sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources and improve farmer profitability and productivity.

Relevant Terms Forever Green Initiative; perennial crops; winter-annual crops; general fund; Agriculture Research Education Extension and Technology Transfer account; Minnesota Statutes 41A.14 subdivision 3; fiscal year 2026; one-time transfer; University of Minnesota; natural resources; agriculture; efficiency; profitability; productivity.