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HF 985

Soil health financial assistance program funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Allen and 9 co-sponsors

HF 985 creates and funds a soil health financial assistance program to incentivize practices that improve soil health, water quality, and farm resilience in Minnesota.

Author added Sexton
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 985

Summary of HF 985 (Session 2025-2026) — Soil Health Financial Assistance Program Funding Provided, and Money Appropriated

Overview

HF 985 proposes funding and appropriation related to a soil health financial assistance program in Minnesota. The bill’s stated aim is to support soil health practices, with financial incentives or support mechanisms intended to promote beneficial soil management across agricultural operations. The bill assigns authorization for appropriations and outlines how funds would be used to support eligible activities.

Primary Purpose and Intent

  • Establish and fund a soil health financial assistance program aimed at encouraging agricultural producers to adopt soil health practices.
  • Provide financial resources to incentivize practices that improve soil health, soil carbon sequestration, water quality, and overall farm resilience.
  • Create a framework for distributing funds to eligible applicants and activities that align with program goals.

Key Provisions and Changes (as described)

  • Appropriation of funds: The bill would specify the amount of money appropriated to the soil health financial assistance program for a given fiscal period.
  • Eligibility and use of funds: Provisions would define eligible recipients (likely farmers, landowners, or other agricultural operators) and permissible uses of the funds. This typically includes costs related to soil health practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management improvements, residue management, compost and manure management, and soil testing or monitoring.
  • Administration and oversight: The bill would outline administrative responsibilities, including which agency or program administers the funds, application processes, reporting requirements, and accountability measures.
  • Compliance and targeting: The bill may specify priority criteria (e.g., geographic areas, farm operation size, or priority soil health practices) and compliance expectations.
  • Sunset or renewal: Provisions could include whether the program is ongoing or subject to periodic reauthorization or sunset provisions.

Note: The exact text of HF 985 would provide precise eligible practices, funding levels, match requirements (if any), and reporting timelines. The summary above reflects common elements typically found in soil health funding bills.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Minnesota agricultural producers and landowners who implement soil health practices.
  • Secondary: Farm operators and cooperatives seeking financial assistance for soil health improvements; organizations or entities administering the program.
  • Broader impacts could include potential improvements in soil quality, water quality, erosion reduction, and long-term farm profitability and resilience in the state.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy (as of February 17, 2025).
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors: The bill has multiple co-sponsors from diverse districts, indicating broad legislative support. Notable co-sponsors include Katie Jones, Tom Sexton, Samantha Vang, Keith Allen, Paul Anderson, Luke Frederick, Kari Rehrauer, Kristi Pursell, Jeff Dotseth, and Bobbie Harder.
  • Potential committee action: Progress depends on committee hearings, amendments, and votes, followed by floor action and potential passage to the other chamber.

Notes for Readers

  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to provide funding for a soil health program. For precise amounts, eligible activities, administrative structure, match requirements, and reporting deadlines, consult the bill language and any fiscal notes or author’s statements associated with HF 985.
  • As with all bills, enacted provisions may be amended before final passage or during the appropriations process.

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

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