Minnesota2026Passed Legislature
HF3508
Changes to Minnesota Agriculture Funding Programs
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 3:39 AM
In one sentence
This law updates funding amounts and rules for state programs supporting farm research, biofuel infrastructure upgrades, food processing facilities, school food purchases, and county fairs.
What it does
- Sets aside money for university-led research on crops like wild rice, potatoes, and perennial plants to help farmers improve their land use.
- Provides grants to upgrade fuel pumps at small gas stations so they can sell higher blends of biofuels.
- Funds improvements to facilities that process meat, poultry, eggs, and milk for local businesses.
- Allocates money to buy more farm-grown food for children in schools and early childhood care programs.
- Requires the state agriculture commissioner or university deans to submit annual reports on how specific funds are spent and what results they achieve.
Who it affects
- University of Minnesota researchers, extension staff, and agricultural education leaders working on approved projects.
- Small gas station owners in Minnesota with ten or fewer locations who want to sell biofuels compatible with vehicles made after the year 2000.
- Businesses that process meat, poultry, eggs, or milk products seeking grants for start-up or expansion.
- Schools and child care providers participating in federal food programs like the National School Lunch Program.
Limits and unknowns
- The text does not state when this law officially takes effect.
- Some funding amounts are listed only for specific years, so future levels may change if new laws are passed.
- The full list of eligible projects under the general agriculture growth program is broad and depends on how the commissioner chooses to allocate funds.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Appropriation
- Money officially set aside by the legislature for a specific purpose.
- Biofuels
- Fuels made from plant materials or animal waste instead of fossil fuels, such as E25 ethanol blends.
- Extension
- University programs that share research and practical advice with farmers and the public.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program modified.
Official activity
Bill history
- See Senate file in House SF3832House
- Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to Ways and MeansHouse
- Introduction and first reading, referred to Agriculture Finance and PolicyHouse