This bill, S.F. No. 1840, proposes the establishment of the Minnesota 4R Agricultural Grants Program to promote improved nutrient management practices among farmers. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to award grants to agricultural retailers that help farmers implement best practices for nutrient use.

Key Provisions:

1. Eligibility:

   • Agricultural retailers must be licensed under section 18C.415.
   • They must be certified or making progress toward certification under the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.

2. Approved Nutrient Management Practices:

   • Soil testing every four years.
   • Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers.
   • Variable rate nutrient application based on site-specific needs.
   • Implementation of nutrient or manure management plans.
   • In-season nutrient management.
   • Fertilizer application timing to prevent nutrient loss.
   • Use of cover crops and conservation crop rotations.
   • Adoption of precision agriculture technologies.
   • Erosion management and water conservation practices.

3. Grant Payments:

   • $5,000 for agricultural retailers that complete the certification audit under the 4R program.
   • Up to 50 cents per acre for certified retailers implementing approved practices with farmers.
   • Up to 25 cents per acre for nutrient planning conducted by certified crop advisers or agronomists.
   • Additional grants for certified retailers to conduct 4R training for farmers.

4. Data Privacy:

   • Field-specific and grower-identifiable data (e.g., field maps, fertilizer records, soil analysis) will be classified as nonpublic to protect privacy.

5. Appropriation:

   • Funding for this program is appropriated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund.
   • Up to 10% of the funding can be used for program administration.

This bill aims to encourage sustainable fertilizer use, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impacts through targeted financial incentives for agricultural retailers and farmers.