This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1839, proposes the establishment of an Avian Influenza Prevention Program under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The program would provide grants to poultry producers to implement measures that prevent the transmission of avian influenza from wild birds to domestic poultry.

Key Provisions:

1. Grant Allocation:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture would be responsible for awarding grants.
   • A cap on the annual grant amount per recipient may be set.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Only Minnesota-based poultry producers can apply.
     
   • Grant funds must be used solely for avian influenza prevention efforts in Minnesota.

3. Cost-Sharing:

   • Applicants must contribute a 20% cost-share toward the covered activities.
     
   • Up to $2,000 of the recipient’s cost-share may be reduced to account for time and labor expenses.

4. Eligible Prevention Measures:

   • Lasers or lighting systems
     
   • Visual deterrents (e.g., air socks, plastic predators, animal decoys)
     
   • Sound systems or air cannons

5. Recipient Obligations:

   • Implement avian influenza prevention measures in good faith.
     
   • Maintain proper documentation of expenses.
     
   • Submit annual reports on the effectiveness of their prevention methods.
     
   • Allow follow-up evaluations and monitoring by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

Purpose:

The bill aims to support poultry producers in taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of avian influenza outbreaks, thereby protecting Minnesota’s agriculture industry and poultry farming sector.

Next Steps:

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development for further consideration.