HF985

This bill proposes allocating funds from Minnesota's general fund for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years to support the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program, which is overseen by the state's Commissioner of Agriculture. The legislation specifies the following key points:

1. Funding Allocation: A specific yearly amount is appropriated for both fiscal years.
2. Grant Cap per Recipient: No single recipient can receive more than $50,000 from this allocation in a given year.
3. Administrative Costs: Up to 6.5% of the allocated funds may be used by the Commissioner of Agriculture to cover administrative expenses associated with managing the program.
4. Fund Rollover: Unspent funds from fiscal year 2026 will not revert back to the general fund but will remain available for use in fiscal year 2027.
5. Extension of Grant Availability: Funds committed under contract by June 30, 2027, can be used for soil health financial assistance grants until June 30, 2029.

This bill aims to enhance soil health through financial support and regulation, ensuring a structured and sustainable implementation of financial assistance for agricultural soil health improvements within Minnesota.