Ag Bill Proposes Record Funding

By Scout Nelson

The agriculture sector is set to receive a substantial financial boost as outlined in a newly proposed omnibus agriculture finance bill. The bill, backed by bipartisan efforts from Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) and Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul), aims to allocate $172.29 million from the General Fund to support various state agencies over the 2026-27 biennium.

This proposed funding includes $168.79 million in new funds alongside $3.5 million in revenue adjustments and carryforward funds, marking a $17 million increase over the current budget. These funds are intended to meet the biennial budget target set by House leadership and will benefit several key agricultural agencies.

The distribution of funds is planned as follows: $147.93 million for the Department of Agriculture, $13.53 million for the Board of Animal Health, $8.82 million to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and $2 million to the Office of Broadband Development. This allocation aims to enhance high-speed Internet access across the state, among other initiatives.

Additional financial shifts include a $3 million cancellation from the 2024 green fertilizer program and a $500,000 cancellation from the 2025 Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative.

Significant appropriations within the bill include $6 million for biofuel dispensation grants, $3.1 million for a wastewater treatment plant in Litchfield, and funds to support agricultural innovation and mental health outreach for farmers. The bill also plans a $4 million transfer in 2026 to an agricultural emergency account to combat avian influenza.

As the bill progresses, the committee anticipates public testimony and further amendments before the final vote, underscoring the collaborative effort and commitment to advancing the state's agricultural infrastructure and support systems.

This strategic funding allocation demonstrates a focused approach to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the coming years.

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