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HF 2579

AGRI works and AGRI support grant programs funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hansen and 1 co-sponsor

Provides one-time general fund grants through MDA: AGRI Works up to $20k and AGRI Support up to $200k for Minnesota agriculture groups in FY2026–27.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Agriculture Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2579

Bill Summary: HF 2579 (2025-2026) — AGRI Works and AGRI Support Grant Programs Funding and Appropriation

Basic Information

  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Bill Number: HF 2579
  • Title: AGRI works and AGRI support grant programs funding provided, and money appropriated
  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Committee Action: Referred to Agriculture Finance and Policy
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; Co-sponsors: Rick Hansen, Fue Lee

Purpose and Intent

HF 2579 proposes targeted one-time general fund appropriations to support two grant programs administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA):
- AGRI works program
- AGRI support program

The bill aims to provide financial assistance to agriculture-related institutions and nonprofit organizations operating in Minnesota, enabling them to undertake projects and activities aligned with agricultural interests and support needs.

Key Provisions and Funding Details

A. AGRI Works Program

  • Funding level:
    • $490,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026
    • $490,000 in FY 2027
    • (These are one-time appropriations from the general fund.)
  • Eligible applicants: Agriculture-related institutions and nonprofits.
  • Grant amount per recipient: Up to $20,000 per grant.
  • Application requirements:
    • Applicants must submit their most recent tax documents.
    • Applicants must complete an application in the form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
  • Purpose scope: The bill text specifies grants under the AGRI works program but does not delineate specific allowable purposes within the summary; typical purposes for such programs include infrastructure, equipment, or project-based support related to agricultural works and workforce development.

B. AGRI Support Program

  • Funding level:
    • $490,000 in FY 2026
    • $490,000 in FY 2027
    • (These are one-time appropriations from the general fund.)
  • Eligible applicants: Agriculture-related institutions and nonprofits.
  • Grant amount per recipient: Grants may exceed $20,000 but must not exceed $200,000.
  • Application requirements:
    • Applicants must submit their most recent tax documents.
    • Applicants must complete an application in the form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
  • Purpose scope: As with the AGRI Works program, the summary does not specify exact allowable activities; the intent is to provide larger grants for substantial initiatives within the agricultural sector.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Direct recipients: Agriculture-related institutions and nonprofits in Minnesota that apply for and receive grants under either program.
  • Administrating agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which would process applications, verify documentation, and award grants.
  • Tax documentation requirements: Applicants must provide their most recent tax filings as part of the eligibility criteria.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Program duration: Both grant programs are funded with one-time appropriations for FY 2026 and FY 2027. The bill does not indicate continued funding beyond FY 2027 within this text.
  • Appropriation source: General Fund.
  • Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text; typically, appropriations become effective at the start of the next fiscal year unless otherwise specified in the act.
  • Legislative status: Introduced and referred to the Agriculture Finance and Policy committee on March 20, 2025.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • The package can expand support for agricultural community organizations by providing modest grants (up to $20,000) and larger grants (up to $200,000) for qualifying projects.
  • As one-time funding, it may prompt organizations to plan with the awareness that longer-term program continuation or reauthorization would require future legislative action.
  • The requirement to submit tax documents adds a compliance step that could affect smaller or volunteer-driven nonprofits differently, depending on their ability to provide up-to-date filings.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison with similar past programs or outline potential grant-application steps an eligible organization would follow.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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