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SF 958

Conference Committee Report - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 05/17/2021 10:31am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON S.F. No. 958

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a budget for the Department of
Agriculture, the Board of Animal Health, the Agricultural Utilization Research
Institute, and broadband development; making policy and technical changes to
various provisions related to agriculture, food, rural development, and broadband
development, including provisions related to grants, loans, pesticides, feedlots,
bioincentive programs, Cervidae, veterinary services, reports, and mapping;
requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections
3.737, by adding a subdivision; 17.1017, subdivision 6; 18B.33, subdivision 1;
18E.04, subdivision 4; 28A.15, by adding a subdivision; 28A.152, subdivisions
1, 3, 4, 5; 31A.15, subdivision 1; 35.155, subdivisions 5, 11; 41A.16, subdivision
5; 41A.17, subdivision 4; 116.07, subdivision 7; 116J.394; 116J.397; 156.12,
subdivision 2; Laws 2020, chapter 101, section 5, subdivisions 2, 7; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 25.

May 16, 2021
The Honorable Jeremy R. Miller
President of the Senate

The Honorable Melissa Hortman
Speaker of the House of Representatives

We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 958 report that we have agreed upon the
items in dispute and recommend as follows:

That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 958 be further amended
as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 3.737, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 7.new text end

new text beginReport.new text end

new text beginThe commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over agriculture and environment and natural resources by December 15 each
year. The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) all payments made under this section, by county and statewide, in the previous five
fiscal years;
new text end

new text begin (2) the program's total revenue by funding source including state appropriations; and
new text end

new text begin (3) how each revenue source is used in expenditures including administrative costs used
to carry out this section.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 15.057, is amended to read:


15.057 PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVES.

No state department, bureau, or division, whether the same operates on funds appropriated
or receipts or fees of any nature whatsoever, except the Department of Transportation, the
Department of Employment and Economic Development, new text beginthe Department of Agriculture,
new text end the Game and Fish Division, State Agricultural Society, and Explore Minnesota Tourism
shall use any of such funds for the payment of the salary or expenses of a publicity
representative. new text beginThe publicity representative for the Department of Agriculture must not be
an elected official or candidate for public office.
new text endThe head of any such department, bureau,
or division shall be personally liable for funds used contrary to this provision. This section
shall not be construed, however, as preventing any such department, bureau, or division
from sending out any bulletins or other publicity required by any state law or necessary for
the satisfactory conduct of the business for which such department, bureau, or division was
created.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 17.1017, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Qualifications for receipt of financing and other financial or technical
assistance.

(a) An applicant for receipt of financing through an economic or community
development financial institution, or an applicant for a grant or other financial or technical
assistance, may be a for-profit or not-for-profit entity, including, but not limited to, a sole
proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, cooperative, nonprofit organization,
or nonprofit community development organization. Each applicant must:

(1) demonstrate community engagement in and support for the project;

(2) demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the project;

(3) demonstrate a viable plan for long-term sustainability, including the ability to increase
the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food,
including fresh fruits and vegetables, for underserved communities in low-income and
moderate-income areas; and

(4) demonstrate the ability to repay the debt, to the extent that the financing requires
repayment.

(b) Each applicant must also agree to comply with the following conditions for a period
of at least five years, except as otherwise specified in this section:

(1) accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits;

deleted text begin (2) apply to accept Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) benefits and, if approved, accept WIC benefits;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text endnew text begin (2)new text end allocate at least 30 percent of retail space for the sale of affordable, nutritious,
and culturally appropriate foods, including fruits and vegetables, low-fat and nonfat dairy,
fortified dairy substitute beverages such as soy-based or nut-based dairy substitute beverages,
whole grain-rich staple foods, meats, poultry, fish, seafood, and other proteins, consistent
with nutrition standards in national guidelines described in the current United States
Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text endnew text begin (3)new text end comply with all data collection and reporting requirements established by the
commissioner; and

deleted text begin (5)deleted text endnew text begin (4)new text end promote the hiring, training, and retention of local or regional residents from
low-income and moderate-income areas that reflect area demographics, including
communities of color.

(c) A selected project that is a small food retailer is not subject to the allocation agreement
under paragraph (b), clause deleted text begin(3)deleted text endnew text begin (2)new text end, and may use financing, grants, or other financial or
technical assistance for refrigeration, displays, or onetime capital expenditures for the
promotion and sale of perishable foods, including a combination of affordable, nutritious,
and culturally appropriate fresh or frozen dairy, dairy substitute products, produce, meats,
poultry, and fish, consistent with nutrition standards in national guidelines described in the
current United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 17.116, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Eligibility.

(a) Grants may only be made to farmers, educational institutions,
individuals at educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations residing or located in the
state for research or demonstrations on farms in the state.

(b) Grants may only be made for projects that show:

(1) the ability to maximize direct or indirect energy savings or production;

(2) a positive effect or reduced adverse effect on the environment; deleted text beginanddeleted text endnew text begin or
new text end

(3) increased profitability for the individual farm by reducing costs or improving
marketing opportunities.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 18B.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Requirement.

(a) A person may not apply a pesticide for hire without a
commercial applicator license for the appropriate use categories or a structural pest control
license.

(b) A commercial applicator licensee must have a valid license identification card to
purchase a restricted use pesticide or apply pesticides for hire and must display it upon
demand by an authorized representative of the commissioner or a law enforcement officer.
The commissioner shall prescribe the information required on the license identification
card.

(c) A person licensed under this section is considered qualified and is not required to
verify, document, or otherwise prove a particular need prior to use, except as required by
the federal label.

new text begin (d) A person who uses a general-use sanitizer or disinfectant for hire in response to
COVID-19 is exempt from the commercial applicator license requirements under this section.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.new text end

new text beginThis section is effective retroactively from March 31, 2021.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin[25.391] EXEMPTION FOR COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCERS;
HOME-PROCESSED PET TREATS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1.new text end

new text beginExemption.new text end

new text beginThe provisions of this chapter do not apply to an individual
who prepares and sells home-processed pet treats for dogs and cats, provided the following
conditions are met:
new text end

new text begin (1) the individual is registered with the commissioner under section 28A.152, subdivision
4;
new text end

new text begin (2) the pet treats are not potentially hazardous food, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part
4626.0020, subpart 62, that is safe for human consumption and for consumption by the
intended species;
new text end

new text begin (3) new text endnew text beginthe pet treats are baked or dehydrated;
new text end

new text begin (4) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating,
"These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and
new text end

new text begin (5) each individual pet treat package is labeled with the following: (i) the name and
registration number or address of the individual preparing the pet treat; (ii) the date on which
the pet treat was prepared; (iii) the ingredients listed; and (iv) the statement "These products
are homemade and not subject to state inspection."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text beginDirect sales to consumers.new text end

new text beginAn individual qualifying for the exemption under
subdivision 1 may sell the exempt pet treats to consumers in accordance with section
28A.152.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Licensing provisions applicability.

(a) The licensing provisions of
sections 28A.01 to 28A.16 do not apply to the following:

(1) an individual who prepares and sells food that is not potentially hazardous food, as
defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4626.0020, subpart 62, if the following requirements are
met:

(i) the prepared food offered for sale under this clause is labeled to accurately reflect
the name and new text beginthe registration number or new text endaddress of the individual preparing and selling the
food, the date on which the food was prepared, deleted text beginanddeleted text end the ingredients and any possible allergensnew text begin,
and the statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."
new text end; and

(ii) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating:
"These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and

(2) an individual who prepares and sells home-processed and home-canned food products
if the following requirements are met:

(i) the products are pickles, vegetables, or fruits having an equilibrium pH value of 4.6
or lowernew text begin or a water activity value of .85 or lessnew text end;

(ii) the products are home-processed and home-canned in Minnesota;

(iii) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating:
"These deleted text begincanned goodsdeleted text endnew text begin productsnew text end are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and

(iv) each container of the product sold or offered for sale under this clause is accurately
labeled to provide the name and new text beginthe registration number or new text endaddress of the individual who
processed and canned the goods, the date on which the goods were processed and canned,
deleted text begin anddeleted text end ingredients and any possible allergensnew text begin, and the statement "These products are homemade
and not subject to state inspection
new text end.new text begin"
new text end

(b) An individual who qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (a), clause (2), is also
exempt from the provisions of sections 31.31 and 31.392.

new text begin (c) An individual who qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (a) may organize the
individual's cottage food business as a business entity recognized by state law.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Limitation on sales.

An individual selling exempt foods under this section is
limited to total sales with gross receipts of deleted text begin$18,000deleted text endnew text begin $78,000new text end or less in a calendar year.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Registration.

An individual who prepares and sells exempt food under
subdivision 1 must register annually with the commissioner. new text beginThe commissioner shall register
an individual within 30 days of submitting a complete registration to the commissioner. A
registration shall be deemed accepted after 30 days following an individual's complete
registration to the commissioner.
new text endThe annual registration fee is $50. An individual with
$5,000 or less in annual gross receipts from the sale of exempt food under this section is
not required to pay the registration fee.new text begin By January 1, 2022, the commissioner shall adjust
the gross receipts amount of this fee exemption based on the consumer price index using
2002 as the index year for the $5,000 gross receipts exemption.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Training.

(a) An individual deleted text beginwith gross receipts between $5,000 and $18,000
in a calendar year from the sale of
deleted text endnew text begin who sellsnew text end exempt food under this section new text beginand is required
to pay the registration fee in subdivision 4
new text endmust complete a safe food handling training
course that is approved by the commissioner before registering under subdivision 4. The
training shall not exceed eight hours and must be completed every three years while the
individual is registered under subdivision 4.

(b) An individual deleted text beginwith gross receipts of less than $5,000 in a calendar year from the sale
of
deleted text endnew text begin who sellsnew text end exempt food under this section new text beginand is exempt from paying the registration fee
in subdivision 4
new text endmust satisfactorily complete an online course and exam as approved by the
commissioner before registering under subdivision 4. The commissioner shall offer the
online course and exam under this paragraph at no cost to the individual.

Sec. 11.

new text begin[28A.153] WILD GAME PROCESSOR EXEMPTION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1.new text end

new text beginLicensing provisions applicability.new text end

new text beginThe licensing provisions of sections
28A.01 to 28A.16 do not apply to an individual who processes wild game or fowl as
described in section 31A.15, subdivision 1, clause (2), if the following requirements are
met:
new text end

new text begin (1) the individual does not own an operation subject to the licensing provisions of sections
28A.01 to 28A.16;
new text end

new text begin (2) the individual's operation is limited to the handling of raw products, to include cutting,
grinding, and packaging, and without further preparation of the wild game or fowl products;
new text end

new text begin (3) the individual does not add any additional ingredients to the wild game or fowl
products;
new text end

new text begin (4) the wild game or fowl products are not donated or sold; and
new text end

new text begin (5) all wild game or fowl products are packaged and labeled as "Not for Sale."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2.new text end

new text beginSales limitation.new text end

new text beginAn individual processing wild game or fowl under this section
is limited to total services with gross receipts of $20,000 or less in a calendar year or the
processing of 200 deer in a calendar year, whichever is greater.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3.new text end

new text beginRegistration.new text end

new text beginIndividuals processing wild game under this section are
encouraged to register annually with the commissioner. The commissioner must not assess
a registration fee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4.new text end

new text beginPermit exemption.new text end

new text beginAn individual processing wild game under this section is
not required to obtain a custom processing permit under section 28A.04, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5.new text end

new text beginChronic wasting disease.new text end

new text beginIf a white-tailed deer was harvested from a chronic
wasting disease management area established by the commissioner of natural resources, an
individual processing wild game under this section must dispose of the carcass through any
disposal method approved for the management area in Department of Natural Resources
hunting rules.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Members; officers.

The board has deleted text beginfivedeleted text endnew text begin sixnew text end members appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the senate, deleted text beginthreedeleted text endnew text begin fournew text end of whom are producers of
livestock in the statenew text begin and at least one of the four livestock producers is also a member of a
federally recognized Tribe located in Minnesota
new text end, and two of whom are practicing
veterinarians licensed in Minnesota. The commissioners of agriculture, natural resources,
and health, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the director of the Veterinary
Diagnostic Laboratory of the University of Minnesota may serve as consultants to the board
without vote. Appointments to fill unexpired terms must be made from the classes to which
the retiring members belong. The board shall elect a president and a vice-president from
among its members and a veterinarian licensed in Minnesota who is not a member to be its
executive director for a term of one year and until a successor qualifies. The board shall set
the duties of the director.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.155, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Disease control programs.

Farmed Cervidae are subject to this chapter and
the rules of the Board of Animal Health in the same manner as other livestock and domestic
animals, including provisions related to importation and transportation.new text begin The board shall
allow the movement of Cervidae from a Cervidae farm located within a chronic wasting
disease management or endemic zone if the Cervidae have tested negative for chronic
wasting disease with an antemortem test validated by the United States Department of
Agriculture and the herd has met other movement requirements as set by the board.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.155, subdivision 11, is amended to read:


Subd. 11.

Mandatory surveillance for chronic wasting disease; depopulation.

(a)
An inventory for each farmed Cervidae herd must be verified by an accredited veterinarian
and filed with the Board of Animal Health every 12 months.

(b) Movement of farmed Cervidae from any premises to another location must be reported
to the Board of Animal Health within 14 days of the movement on forms approved by the
Board of Animal Health.

(c) All animals from farmed Cervidae herds that are over 12 months of age that die or
are slaughtered must be tested for chronic wasting disease.

(d) The owner of a premises where chronic wasting disease is detected must:

(1) depopulate the premises of Cervidae after the deleted text beginappraisal process fordeleted text end federal
indemnification new text beginprocess new text endhas been completed or, if an indemnification application is not
submitted, within a reasonable time determined by the board in consultation with the
commissioner of natural resources;

(2) maintain the fencing required under subdivision 4 on the premises for five years after
the date of detection; and

(3) post the fencing on the premises with biohazard signs as directed by the board.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Agricultural cellulosic biomass sourcing plan.

(a) An eligible producer who
utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomassnew text begin other than corn kernel fiber or biogasnew text end must submit
a responsible biomass sourcing plan for approval by the commissioner prior to applying for
payments under this section. The commissioner shall make the plan publicly available. The
plan must:

(1) provide a detailed explanation of how agricultural cellulosic biomass will be produced
and managed in a way that preserves soil quality, does not increase soil and nutrient runoff,
avoids introduction of harmful invasive species, limits negative impacts on wildlife habitat,
and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) include the producer's approach to verifying that biomass suppliers are following
the plan;

(3) discuss how new technologies and practices that are not yet commercially viable
may be encouraged and adopted during the life of the facility, and how the producer will
encourage continuous improvement during the life of the project;

(4) include specific numeric goals and timelines for making progress;

(5) require agronomic practices that result in a positive Natural Resources Conservation
Service Soil Conditioning Index score for acres from which biomass from corn stover will
be harvested; and

(6) include biennial soil sampling to verify maintained or increased levels of soil organic
matter.

(b) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomass and receives
payments under this section shall submit an annual report on the producer's responsible
biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner by January 15 each year. The report must include
data on progress made by the producer in meeting specific goals laid out in the plan. The
commissioner shall make the report publicly available. The commissioner shall perform an
annual review of submitted reports and may make a determination that the producer is not
following the plan based on the reports submitted. The commissioner may take appropriate
steps, including reducing or ceasing payments, until the producer is in compliance with the
plan.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.16, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each eligible
biofuel producer shall file a claim for payment for advanced biofuel production during the
preceding three calendar months. An eligible biofuel producer that files a claim under this
subdivision shall include a statement of the eligible biofuel producer's total advanced biofuel
production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible
producer will not use payments received under this section to compensate a lobbyist who
is required to register with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board under section
10A.03
new text end. For each claim and statement of total advanced biofuel production filed under this
subdivision, the volume of advanced biofuel production must be examined by a CPA firm
with a valid permit to practice under chapter 326A, in accordance with Statements on
Standards for Attestation Engagements established by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and
August 15. A separate payment must be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.17, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Agricultural cellulosic biomass sourcing plan.

(a) An eligible producer who
utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomassnew text begin other than corn kernel fiber or biogasnew text end must submit
a responsible biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner prior to applying for payments
under this section. The plan must:

(1) provide a detailed explanation of how agricultural cellulosic biomass will be produced
and managed in a way that preserves soil quality, does not increase soil and nutrient runoff,
avoids introduction of harmful invasive species, limits negative impacts on wildlife habitat,
and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) include the producer's approach to verifying that biomass suppliers are following
the plan;

(3) discuss how new technologies and practices that are not yet commercially viable
may be encouraged and adopted during the life of the facility, and how the producer will
encourage continuous improvement during the life of the project; and

(4) include specific numeric goals and timelines for making progress.

(b) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomass and receives
payments under this section shall submit an annual report on the producer's responsible
biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner by January 15 each year. The report must include
data on progress made by the producer in meeting specific goals laid out in the plan. The
commissioner shall make the report publicly available. The commissioner shall perform an
annual review of submitted reports and may make a determination that the producer is not
following the plan based on the reports submitted. The commissioner may take appropriate
steps, including reducing or ceasing payments, until the producer is in compliance with the
plan.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.17, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each eligible
renewable chemical producer shall file a claim for payment for renewable chemical
production during the preceding three calendar months. An eligible renewable chemical
producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the eligible
producer's total renewable chemical production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by
the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible producer will not use payments received under this
section to compensate a lobbyist who is required to register with the Campaign Finance and
Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.03
new text end. For each claim and statement of total
renewable chemical production filed under this paragraph, the volume of renewable chemical
production must be examined by a CPA firm with a valid permit to practice under chapter
326A, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements established
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and
August 15. A separate payment must be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.18, subdivision 5, is amended to read:


Subd. 5.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each producer
shall file a claim for payment for biomass thermal production during the preceding three
calendar months. A producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement
of the producer's total biomass thermal production in Minnesota during the quarter covered
by the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible producer will not use payments received under this
section to compensate a lobbyist who is required to register with the Campaign Finance and
Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.03
new text end. For each claim and statement of total biomass
thermal production filed under this paragraph, the volume of biomass thermal production
must be examined by a CPA firm with a valid permit to practice under chapter 326A, in
accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and
August 15. A separate payment shall be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Establishment.

The authority shall establish and implement an agroforestry
loan program to help finance the production of short rotation woody crops. deleted text beginThe authority
may contract with a fiscal agent to provide an efficient delivery system for this program.
deleted text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

deleted text begin (b) "Fiscal agent" means any lending institution or other organization of a for-profit or
nonprofit nature that is in good standing with the state of Minnesota that has the appropriate
business structure and trained personnel suitable to providing efficient disbursement of loan
funds and the servicing and collection of loans over an extended period of time.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin(b) new text end"Growing cycle" means the number of years from planting to harvest.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text endnew text begin (c)new text end "Harvest" means the day that the crop arrives at the scale of the buyer of the crop.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text endnew text begin (d)new text end "Short rotation woody crops" or "crop" means hybrid poplar and other woody
plants that are harvested for their fiber within 15 years of planting.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Subd. 6.

Loans.

(a) The authority may deleted text begindisburse loans through a fiscal agentdeleted text end new text beginparticipate
with eligible lenders in agroforestry loans
new text endto farmers and agricultural landowners who are
eligible under subdivision 5. deleted text beginThe total accumulative loan principal must not exceeddeleted text endnew text begin The
authority's participation is limited to 45 percent or
new text end $75,000 new text beginof total accumulative principal
new text end per loan.

(b) deleted text beginThe fiscal agent may impose a loan origination fee in the amount of one percent of
the total approved loan. This fee is to be paid by the borrower to the fiscal agent at the time
of loan closing
deleted text endnew text begin The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest
may differ from those of the lender's retained portion of the loan
new text end.

(c) The loan may be disbursed over a period not to exceed 12 years.

(d) A borrower may receive loans, depending on the availability of funds, for planted
areas up to 160 acres for up to:

(1) the total amount necessary for establishment of the crop;

(2) the total amount of maintenance costs, including weed control, during the first three
years; and

(3) 70 percent of the estimated value of one year's growth of the crop for years four
through 12.

(e) Security for the loan must be the crop, a personal note executed by the borrower, deleted text beginan
interest in the land upon which the crop is growing,
deleted text end and whatever other security is required
by the deleted text beginfiscal agentdeleted text endnew text begin eligible lendernew text end or the authority. deleted text beginAll recording fees must be paid by the
borrower.
deleted text end

(f) The authority may prescribe forms and establish an application process for applicants
to apply for a loan.

(g) The authority may impose a reasonable, nonrefundable application fee for each
application for a loan under this program. The application fee is initially $50. Application
fees received by the authority must be deposited in the Rural Finance Authority administrative
account established in section 41B.03.

(h) Loans under the program must be made using money in the revolving loan account
established under section 41B.06.

(i) All repayments of financial assistance granted under this section, including principal
and interest, must be deposited into the revolving loan account established under section
41B.06.

(j) deleted text beginThe interest payable on loans made by the authority for the agroforestry loan program
must, if funded by revenue bond proceeds, be at a rate not less than the rate on the revenue
bonds, and may be established at a higher rate necessary to pay costs associated with the
issuance of the revenue bonds and a proportionate share of the cost of administering the
program.
deleted text end The interest payable on loans for the agroforestry loan program deleted text beginfunded from
sources other than revenue bond proceeds
deleted text end must be at a rate determined by the authority.

(k) Loan principal balance outstanding plus all assessed interest must be repaid within
120 days of harvest, but no later than 15 years from planting.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 156.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Authorized activities.

No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit:

(a) a person from rendering necessary gratuitous assistance in the treatment of any animal
when the assistance does not amount to prescribing, testing for, or diagnosing, operating,
or vaccinating and when the attendance of a licensed veterinarian cannot be procured;

(b) a person who is a regular student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary
medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or preceptors or working
under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian;

(c) a veterinarian regularly licensed in another jurisdiction from consulting with a licensed
veterinarian in this state;

(d) the owner of an animal and the owner's regular employee from caring for and
administering to the animal belonging to the owner, except where the ownership of the
animal was transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter;

(e) veterinarians who are in compliance with subdivision 6 and who are employed by
the University of Minnesota from performing their duties with the College of Veterinary
Medicine, College of Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Extension
Service, Medical School, School of Public Health, or other unit within the university; or a
person from lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at the university or in
connection with a continuing education course or seminar to veterinarians or pathologists
at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory;

(f) any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide;

(g) any person from engaging in bona fide scientific research or investigations which
reasonably requires experimentation involving animals;

(h) any employee of a licensed veterinarian from performing duties other than diagnosis,
prescription or surgical correction under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian,
who shall be responsible for the performance of the employee;

(i) a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine from working under the direct
personal instruction, control, or supervision of a veterinarian faculty member of the College
of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota in order to complete the requirements
necessary to obtain an ECFVG or PAVE certificate;

(j) a licensed chiropractor registered under section 148.01, subdivision 1a, from practicing
animal chiropracticdeleted text begin.deleted text endnew text begin; or
new text end

new text begin (k) a person certified by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board under
chapter 144E from providing emergency medical care to a police dog wounded in the line
of duty.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.new text end

new text beginThis section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 583.215, is amended to read:


583.215 EXPIRATION.

Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20 to
583.32, expire June 30, deleted text begin2022deleted text endnew text begin 2027new text end.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.new text end

new text beginThis section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 25. new text beginREPORT REQUIRED; AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL RESPONSE AND
REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of agriculture must convene stakeholders and develop
recommendations regarding the maximum reimbursement or payment amount under
Minnesota Statutes, section 18E.04, subdivision 4. The report must include an analysis of
what the maximum reimbursement or payment would be if adjusted for inflation. By February
1, 2022, the commissioner must report these recommendations to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
agriculture finance. Participating stakeholders must be given an opportunity to include
written testimony to the legislative committees in the commissioner's report.
new text end

Sec. 26. new text beginREPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 8,new text endnew text begin is repealed.new text end"

Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; making various technical and policy changes and additions
to various agriculture-related provisions, including provisions related to agricultural
programs, grants, pesticides, farmed Cervidae, loan programs, food handlers, and
food; providing exemptions; modifying Board of Animal Health membership;
extending the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act; specifying that certified emergency
medical personnel may provide emergency medical care to police dogs without a
license to practice veterinary medicine; requiring reports; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2020, sections 3.737, by adding a subdivision; 15.057; 17.1017, subdivision
6; 17.116, subdivision 2; 18B.33, subdivision 1; 28A.152, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5;
35.02, subdivision 1; 35.155, subdivisions 5, 11; 41A.16, subdivisions 5, 6; 41A.17,
subdivisions 4, 5; 41A.18, subdivision 5; 41B.048, subdivisions 2, 4, 6; 156.12,
subdivision 2; 583.215; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 25; 28A."

We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.
Senate Conferees:
.
.
.
Torrey Westrom
Gene Dornink
.
.
Michael Goggin
Bruce Anderson
.
Erin Murphy
House Conferees:
.
.
.
Mike Sundin
Samantha Vang
.
.
Gene Pelowski Jr.
Todd Lippert
.
Nathan Nelson