Key Highlights of Minnesota’s Ag Funding Bill

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The chair of the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee unveiled a budget bill on Monday, aimed at supporting agriculture across Minnesota. Rep. “All sizes of farmers, large and small, organic and conventional. It supports urban farming, it supports rural farming,” said Rep. Paul Anderson. The proposed funding totals $168.9 million from the General Fund, with $17.1 million more than the current budget, representing a 10.1% increase.

The Department of Agriculture is set to receive the largest share of the request, totaling $145.7 million. Other areas of the budget allocation include $13.5 million for the Board of Animal Health, $8.8 million for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and $2 million for broadband development aimed at improving high-speed internet access statewide.

However, the proposal also includes cuts, such as the cancellation of a $3 million fiscal year 2024 allocation for green fertilizer grants, and reduced funding for Second Harvest Heartland, the Emerging Farmer Office, and the Climate Implementation Coordinator. The bill also includes provisions aimed at easing broadband installation requirements, such as extending the deadline for compliance and reducing training time. This aspect of the bill has sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that it could lead to unsafe work practices.

While the bill includes some positive elements, like funding for farmers affected by wildlife, the Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen expressed concern over its premature nature and suggested that more clarity is needed, particularly regarding potential federal cuts to agricultural programs.

Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) criticized the bill for being too partisan, arguing that it undermines the nonpartisan spirit of agricultural policy. Anderson, in response, stated that the bill was necessary to move the process forward, given the delays caused by a boycott earlier in the session. The bill is still under review, with amendments expected before a vote.

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