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HF 4707

Class 2 agricultural property classification modified to include farm wineries.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bernie Perryman and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill reclassifies farm wineries as Class 2 agricultural property to provide property tax relief similar to traditional farming operations.

Authors added Pursell and Perryman
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #taxation-property
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4707

Legislative bill overview

HF 4707 modifies Minnesota's property tax classification system to designate farm wineries as Class 2 agricultural property. This change would allow wineries operating on agricultural land to qualify for agricultural property tax rates rather than potentially higher commercial or industrial classifications. The bill appears designed to provide tax relief to farm winery operations by treating them similarly to other agricultural enterprises.

Why is this important

Agricultural property tax classifications in Minnesota typically receive preferential tax treatment to support farming operations and rural land preservation. Extending this classification to farm wineries could significantly reduce operating costs for these businesses and encourage agricultural diversification. The decision affects both state tax revenue and the competitive positioning of farm wineries relative to other wine producers or agricultural operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax base erosion: Classifying farm wineries as agricultural property may reduce tax revenue for counties and municipalities that depend on property taxes, potentially shifting costs to other property owners
  • Definition and scope concerns: The bill's exact definition of "farm winery" is critical—ambiguous language could allow non-qualifying operations to claim agricultural status or create disputes about which wineries qualify
  • Competitive fairness: Traditional wineries, restaurants, or agritourism businesses not receiving agricultural classification may argue the preferential treatment unfairly advantages farm wineries

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

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