<div class="xtend"><a id="pl.1.1"></a><var>1.1</var>CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON S.F. No. 3018<br />
         		
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.2"></a><var>1.2</var>A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>agricultural-related provisions; modifying certain agricultural-related <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>appropriations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 17.53, subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>16; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122; 31.94; Minnesota Statutes 2015 <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215; Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>article 2, section 81.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>May 22, 2016<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>The Honorable Sandra L. Pappas<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>President of the Senate<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>The Honorable Kurt L. Daudt<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>Speaker of the House of Representatives<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 3018 report that we have agreed upon <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>the items in dispute and recommend as follows:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 3018 be further <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>amended as follows:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a>"<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 3.7371, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subd. 8. <b>Report.</b> The commissioner must submit a report to the chairs of the house <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>and environment and natural resources by December 15 each year that details the total <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>amount of damages paid, by elk herd, in the previous two fiscal years.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 17.53, subdivision 16, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subd. 16. <b>Qualified voter.</b> "Qualified voter" means a producer who would be <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>subject to the payment of fees to finance the activities described in sections 
         <statute_ref>17.51</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>17.69</statute_ref> <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>and who shares directly in the profits and risk of loss from the agricultural operation <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>which produces or grows the commodity, regardless of the Internal Revenue Service <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>tax filing status of the producer.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 18B.345, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var><b>18B.345 PESTICIDE APPLICATION ON GOLF COURSES.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(a) Application of a pesticide to the property of a golf course must be performed by:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(1) a structural pest control applicator; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(2) a commercial or noncommercial pesticide applicator with appropriate use <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>certification.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(b) Pesticides determined by the commissioner to be sanitizers and disinfectants are <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>exempt from the requirements in paragraph (a).<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 28A.085, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subdivision 1. <b>Violations; prohibited acts.</b> The commissioner may charge a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>reinspection fee for each reinspection of a food handler that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>(1) is found with a major violation of requirements in chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>32, 33, or 34, or rules adopted under one of those chapters; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>(2) is found with a violation of section 
         <statute_ref>31.02</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>31.161</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>31.165</statute_ref>, and requires a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>follow-up inspection after an administrative meeting held pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>34A.06</statute_ref>; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>(3) (2) fails to correct equipment and facility deficiencies as required in rules adopted <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>under chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, or 34. <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>The first reinspection of a firm with gross food sales under $1,000,000 must be <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>assessed at $150. The fee for a firm with gross food sales over $1,000,000 is $200. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>fee for a subsequent reinspection of a firm for the same violation is 50 percent of their <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>current license fee or $300, whichever is greater. The establishment must be issued written <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>notice of violations with a reasonable date for compliance listed on the notice. An initial <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>inspection relating to a complaint is not a reinspection.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.122, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var><b>31.122 FOOD; TOLERANCES FOR ADDED POISONOUS INGREDIENTS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>Any added poisonous or deleterious substance, any food additive, any pesticide <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity or any color additive, shall with respect <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>to any particular use or intended use be deemed unsafe for the purpose of application of <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>section 
         <statute_ref>31.121</statute_ref>, clause (b) 34A.02, clause (2),  with respect to any food, unless there is in <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>effect a rule pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>31.101</statute_ref> limiting the quantity of such substance, and the use <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>or intended use of such substance conforms to the terms prescribed by such rule. While <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>such rules relating to such substance are in effect, a food shall not, by reason of bearing or <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>containing such substance in accordance with the rules, be considered adulterated within <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>the meaning of section 
         <statute_ref>31.121</statute_ref>, clause (a) 34A.02, clause (1).<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 31.94, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var><b>31.94 </b><b>ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; </b><b>COMMISSIONER DUTIES.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>commissioner shall:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>(2) work with the University of Minnesota and other research and education <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>institutions to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>conditions in this state;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>organic agriculture in this state;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>(4) inform agencies of how about state or federal programs could utilize and that <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>support organic agriculture practices; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>(5) work closely with producers, producer organizations, the University of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate agencies and organizations <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>to organic agriculture.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>(b) By November 15 of each year that ends in a zero or a five, the commissioner, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report must include available data on <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>community sector. The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>(1) three organic farmers;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>(4) two organic processors;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>(8) two public members;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>(10) one retailer of organic products; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>(11) one organic consumer representative.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, shall appoint <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>members to serve three-year terms.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>Compensation and removal of members are governed by section 
         <statute_ref>15.059, subdivision <br />
            		<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>6
         </statute_ref>. The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, 2016 2019.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and accredited certification agents <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>agencies operating within the state.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 41A.14, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var><b>41A.14 AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, EXTENSION, AND </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var><b>TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subdivision 1. <b>Duties; grants.</b> The agriculture research, education, extension, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>technology transfer grant program is created. The purpose of the grant program is to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>provide investments that will most efficiently achieve long-term agricultural productivity <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability. The scope and <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>intent of the grants, to the extent possible, shall provide for a long-term base funding <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>that allows the research grantee to continue the functions of the research, education, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>extension, and technology transfer efforts to a practical conclusion. Priority for grants <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>shall be given to human infrastructure. The commissioner shall provide grants for:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>(1) agricultural research, extension, and technology transfer needs and recipients <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>including agricultural research and extension at the University of Minnesota, research and <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>outreach centers, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Minnesota Extension Service, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>the University of Minnesota Veterinary School, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>the Stakman-Borlaug Center, and the Minnesota Agriculture Fertilizer Research and <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>Education Council; for use by any of the following:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>(i) the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>(ii) the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>(iii) the University of Minnesota Extension Service;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>(iv) the University of Minnesota Veterinary School;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>(v) the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>(vi) the Stakman-Borlaug Center;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>(2) agriculture rapid response for plant and animal diseases and pests; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(3) agricultural education including but not limited to the Minnesota Agriculture <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>Education Leadership Council, farm business management, mentoring programs, graduate <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>debt forgiveness, and high school programs.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subd. 2. <b>Advisory panel.</b> (a) In awarding grants under this section, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>commissioner and a representative of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota must consult with an advisory panel <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>consisting of the following stakeholders:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>(1) a representative of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>Sciences at the University of Minnesota;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>(2) (1) a representative of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>(3) (2) a representative of the Minnesota Farm Bureau;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>(4) (3) a representative of the Minnesota Farmers Union;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(5) (4) a person representing agriculture industry statewide;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>(6) (5) a representative of each of the state commodity councils organized under <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>section 
         <statute_ref>17.54</statute_ref> and the Minnesota Pork Board;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>(7) (6) a person representing an association of primary manufacturers of forest <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>products;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>(8) (7) a person representing organic or sustainable agriculture; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>(9) (8) a person representing statewide environment and natural resource <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.36"></a><var>5.36</var>conservation organizations.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(b) Members under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3) and (5), shall be chosen by their <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>respective organizations.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subd. 3. <b>Account.</b> An agriculture research, education, extension, and technology <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>transfer account is created in the agricultural fund in the state treasury. The account <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>consists of money received in the form of gifts, grants, reimbursement, or appropriations <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>from any source for any of the purposes provided in subdivision 1, and any interest or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>earnings of the account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>agriculture for the purposes under subdivision 1.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.516, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var><b>97B.516 ELK MANAGEMENT PLAN.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>(a) The commissioner of natural resources must adopt an elk management plan that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>(1) recognizes the value and uniqueness of elk;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>(2) provides for integrated management of an elk population in harmony with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>environment; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>(3) affords optimum recreational opportunities.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not manage an elk herd <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>in a manner that would increase the size of the herd, including adoption or implementation <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>of an elk management plan designed to increase an elk herd, unless the commissioner of <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>agriculture verifies that crop and fence damages paid under section 3.7371 and attributed <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>to the herd have not increased for at least two years.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>(c) At least 60 days prior to implementing a plan to increase an elk herd, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>commissioners of natural resources and agriculture must hold a joint public meeting in the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>county where the elk herd to be increased is located. At the meeting, the commissioners <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>must present evidence that crop and fence damages have not increased in the prior two years <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>and must detail the practices that will be used to reduce elk conflicts with area landowners.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 9. <b>[216B.1642] SOLAR SITE MANAGEMENT.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subdivision 1. <b>Site management practices. </b> An owner of a ground-mounted solar <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>site with a generating capacity of more than 40 kilowatts may follow site management <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>practices that (1) provide native perennial vegetation and foraging habitat beneficial to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators, and (2) reduce storm water runoff and erosion at <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>the solar generation site. To the extent practicable, when establishing perennial vegetation <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>and beneficial foraging habitat, a solar site owner shall use native plant species and seed <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>mixes under Department of Natural Resources "Prairie Establishment &amp; Maintenance <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>Technical Guidance for Solar Projects."<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Subd. 2. <b>Recognition of beneficial habitat.</b> An owner of a solar site implementing <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>solar site management practices under this section may claim that the site provides <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>benefits to gamebirds, songbirds, and pollinators only if the site adheres to guidance set <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>forth by the pollinator plan provided by the Board of Water and Soil Resources or any <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>other gamebird, songbird, or pollinator foraging-friendly vegetation standard established <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. An owner making a beneficial habitat claim <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>must make the site's vegetation management plan available to the public and provide a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>copy of the plan to a Minnesota nonprofit solar industry trade association.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, section 583.215, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var><b>583.215 EXPIRATION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>Sections 
         <statute_ref>336.9-601</statute_ref>, subsections (h) and (i); 
         <statute_ref>550.365</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>559.209</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>582.039</statute_ref>; and 
         <statute_ref>583.20 <br />
            		
         </statute_ref><a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>to 
         <statute_ref>583.32</statute_ref>, expire June 30, 2016 2018.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 11. Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4, <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>is amended to read:<br />
         		
         <table>
            <col width="50px"></col>
            <col width="21.5"></col>
            <col width="2.5"></col>
            <col width="12"></col>
            <col width="2.5"></col>
            <col width="12"></col>
            <col width="2.5"></col>
            <col width="12"></col>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var><br />
                  		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td colspan="3">Subd. 4.<b>Agriculture, Bioenergy, and </b><br />
                  		<b>Bioproduct Advancement</b><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="center"></td>
               <td align="right">14,993,000  <br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="center"></td>
               <td align="right">19,010,000<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
         </table><a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>$4,483,000 the first year and $8,500,000 the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>second year are for transfer to the agriculture <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>research, education, extension, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>technology transfer account under Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>41A.14, subdivision 3</statute_ref>. <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>The transfer in this paragraph includes <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>money for plant breeders at the University <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>of Minnesota for wild rice, potatoes, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>grapes. Of these amounts, at least $600,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>each year is for agriculture rapid response <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>Station's Agriculture Rapid Response Fund <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>41A.14, <br />
            		<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>, clause (2). Of the amount <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>appropriated in this paragraph, $1,000,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>each year is for transfer to the Board of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>Regents of the University of Minnesota for <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>research to determine (1) what is causing <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>avian influenza, (2) why some fowl are more <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>susceptible, and (3) prevention measures that <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>can be taken. Of the amount appropriated <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>in this paragraph, $2,000,000 each year <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>is for grants to the Minnesota Agriculture <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>Education Leadership Council to enhance <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>agricultural education with priority given <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>to Farm Business Management challenge <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>grants. The commissioner shall transfer the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>remaining grant funds in this appropriation <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>each year to the Board of Regents of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>University of Minnesota for purposes of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>To the extent practicable, funds expended <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>41A.14, <br />
            		<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>, clauses (1) and (2), must <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>supplement and not supplant existing sources <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>and levels of funding. The commissioner may <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>use up to 4.5 percent of this appropriation <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>for costs incurred to administer the program. <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>Any unencumbered balance does not cancel <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>at the end of the first year and is available for <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>the second year.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>$10,235,000 the first year and $10,235,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>the second year are for the agricultural <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>growth, research, and innovation program <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>in Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>41A.12</statute_ref>. No <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>later than February 1, 2016, and February <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>1, 2017, the commissioner must report to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>the legislative committees with jurisdiction <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.36"></a><var>8.36</var>over agriculture policy and finance regarding <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>the commissioner's accomplishments <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>and anticipated accomplishments in <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>the following areas: facilitating the <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>start-up, modernization, or expansion of <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>livestock operations including beginning <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>and transitioning livestock operations; <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>developing new markets for Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>farmers by providing more fruits, vegetables, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>meat, grain, and dairy for Minnesota school <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>children; assisting value-added agricultural <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>businesses to begin or expand, access new <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>markets, or diversify products; developing <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>urban agriculture; facilitating the start-up, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>modernization, or expansion of other <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>beginning and transitioning farms including <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>loans under Minnesota Statutes, section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>41B.056
         </statute_ref>; sustainable agriculture on farm <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>research and demonstration; development or <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>expansion of food hubs and other alternative <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>community-based food distribution systems; <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>and research on bioenergy, biobased content, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>or biobased formulated products and other <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>renewable energy development. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>commissioner may use up to 4.5 percent <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>of this appropriation for costs incurred to <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>administer the program. Any unencumbered <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>balance does not cancel at the end of the first <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>year and is available for the second year. <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>16A.28
         </statute_ref>, the appropriations encumbered <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>under contract on or before June 30, 2017, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>agricultural growth, research, and innovation <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>grants are available until June 30, 2019.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>The commissioner may use funds <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.35"></a><var>9.35</var>appropriated for the agricultural growth, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.36"></a><var>9.36</var>research, and innovation program as provided <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>in this paragraph. The commissioner may <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>award grants to owners of Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>facilities producing bioenergy, biobased <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>content, or a biobased formulated product; <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>to organizations that provide for on-station, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>on-farm field scale research and outreach to <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>develop and test the agronomic and economic <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>requirements of diverse strands of prairie <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>plants and other perennials for bioenergy <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>systems; or to certain nongovernmental <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>entities. For the purposes of this paragraph, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>"bioenergy" includes transportation fuels <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>derived from cellulosic material, as well as <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>the generation of energy for commercial heat, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>industrial process heat, or electrical power <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>from cellulosic materials via gasification or <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>other processes. Grants are limited to 50 <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>percent of the cost of research, technical <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>assistance, or equipment related to bioenergy, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>biobased content, or biobased formulated <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>product production or $500,000, whichever <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>is less. Grants to nongovernmental entities <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>for the development of business plans and <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>structures related to community ownership <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>of eligible bioenergy facilities together may <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>not exceed $150,000. The commissioner <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>shall make a good-faith effort to select <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>projects that have merit and, when taken <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>together, represent a variety of bioenergy <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>technologies, biomass feedstocks, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>geographic regions of the state. Projects <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>must have a qualified engineer provide <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>certification on the technology and fuel <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>source. Grantees must provide reports at the <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.35"></a><var>10.35</var>request of the commissioner.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>Of the amount appropriated for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>agricultural growth, research, and innovation <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>program in this subdivision, $1,000,000 the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>first year and $1,000,000 the second year <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>are for distribution in equal amounts to each <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>of the state's county fairs to preserve and <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>promote Minnesota agriculture.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>Of the amount appropriated for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>agricultural growth, research, and innovation <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>program in this subdivision, $500,000 in <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>fiscal year 2016 and $1,500,000 in fiscal <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>year 2017 are for incentive payments <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>under Minnesota Statutes, sections 
         <statute_ref>41A.16</statute_ref>, <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>41A.17
         </statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>41A.18</statute_ref>. If the appropriation <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>exceeds the total amount for which all <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>producers are eligible in a fiscal year, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>balance of the appropriation is available <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>to the commissioner for the agricultural <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>growth, research, and innovation program. <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>section 
         <statute_ref>16A.28</statute_ref>, the first year appropriation <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>is available until June 30, 2017, and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>second year appropriation is available until <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>June 30, 2018. The commissioner may use <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>up to 4.5 percent of the appropriation for <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>administration of the incentive payment <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>programs.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>Of the amount appropriated for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>agricultural growth, research, and innovation <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>program in this subdivision, $250,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>the first year is for grants to communities <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>to develop or expand food hubs and <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>other alternative community-based food <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.34"></a><var>11.34</var>distribution systems. Of this amount, <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.35"></a><var>11.35</var>$50,000 is for the commissioner to consult <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.36"></a><var>11.36</var>with existing food hubs, alternative <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>community-based food distribution systems, <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>and University of Minnesota Extension <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>to identify best practices for use by other <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>Minnesota communities. No later than <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>December 15, 2015, the commissioner must <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>report to the legislative committees with <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>jurisdiction over agriculture and health <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>regarding the status of emerging alternative <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>community-based food distribution systems <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>in the state along with recommendations <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>to eliminate any barriers to success. Any <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>unencumbered balance does not cancel at the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>end of the first year and is available for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>second year. This is a onetime appropriation.<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>second year are for grants that enable <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>retail petroleum dispensers to dispense <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>biofuels to the public in accordance with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>biofuel replacement goals established under <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>239.7911</statute_ref>. A <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>retail petroleum dispenser selling petroleum <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>for use in spark ignition engines for vehicle <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>model years after 2000 is eligible for grant <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>money under this paragraph if the retail <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>petroleum dispenser has no more than 15 <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>retail petroleum dispensing sites and each <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>site is located in Minnesota. The grant <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>money received under this paragraph must <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>be used for the installation of appropriate <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>technology that uses fuel dispensing <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>equipment appropriate for at least one fuel <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>dispensing site to dispense gasoline that is <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>blended with 15 percent of agriculturally <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>derived, denatured ethanol, by volume, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>appropriate technical assistance related to <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.36"></a><var>12.36</var>the installation. A grant award must not <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>exceed 85 percent of the cost of the technical <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>assistance and appropriate technology, <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>including remetering of and retrofits for <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>retail petroleum dispensers and replacement <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>of petroleum dispenser projects. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>commissioner may use up to $35,000 of this <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>appropriation for administrative expenses. <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>The commissioner shall cooperate with <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>biofuel stakeholders in the implementation <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>of the grant program. The commissioner <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>must report to the legislative committees <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>finance by February 1 each year, detailing <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>the number of grants awarded under this <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>paragraph and the projected effect of the grant <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>program on meeting the biofuel replacement <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>goals under Minnesota Statutes, section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>239.7911
         </statute_ref>. These are onetime appropriations.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>year are for grants to the Southern Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>Initiative Foundation to promote local foods <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>through an annual event that raises public <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>awareness of local foods and connects local <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>food producers and processors with potential <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>buyers.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 12. <b>FARMER-LENDER MEDIATION TASK FORCE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>The commissioner of agriculture must convene an advisory task force to provide <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>recommendations to the legislature regarding the state's Farmer-Lender Mediation Act. <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>The task force must be comprised of 14 members, including the commissioner or the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>commissioner's designee, one farm advocate appointed by the commissioner who is <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>responsible for mediating debt between farmers and lenders, one adult farm business <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>management instructor appointed by the commissioner and three farmers appointed by <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>the commissioner, at least one of whom is a beginning or nontraditional farmer and at <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>least one of whom has personal experience with the farmer-lender mediation program. <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>The remaining membership of the task force consists of one member appointed by each <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>of the following entities:<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>(1) Minnesota Farm Bureau;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>(2) Minnesota Farmers Union;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>(3) Minnesota Bankers Association;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>(4) Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>(5) Farm Credit Services - Minnesota State Federation;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>(6) Minnesota Credit Union Network;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>(7) Minnesota-South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>(8) University of Minnesota Extension.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>No later than February 1, 2017, the commissioner must report the task force's <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>and finance.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 13. <b>FARM SAFETY INITIATIVE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>(a) The commissioner of agriculture shall analyze the range of safety challenges <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>presented in the operation of a farm. The commissioner's analysis shall include <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>consultation with organizations in Minnesota that address issues of farm safety. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>commissioner shall report the findings to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>agricultural policy by February 1, 2017. The report must, at a minimum:<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>(1) provide information on how other states in the Midwest, including but not limited <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>to Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, address farm safety issues;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>(2) identify common safety issues faced by Minnesota farmers that need attention, <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>including common causes of farm-related accidents;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>(3) identify how farm safety programs can better serve the growing farm labor <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>population; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>(4) make recommendations to the legislature on how to improve farm safety efforts <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>in Minnesota.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>(b) By October 1, 2016, the commissioner of agriculture shall compile an inventory <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>of farm safety programs and resources that are currently available in Minnesota. After <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>compiling the inventory, the commissioner shall make available the inventory and promote <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>to farm operators in Minnesota the farm safety programs and resources contained in <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>the inventory.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Sec. 14. <b> REPEALER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81, is repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		"<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>Delete the title and insert:<br />
         		
         <div class="xtend_ce">"<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>relating to agriculture; making various policy and technical changes to <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>agriculture-related provisions and programs; providing for solar site management; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>modifying elk management plan; modifying a previous appropriation; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>establishing a Farmer-Lender Mediation Task Force and a Farm Safety Initiative; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>requiring reports;amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, sections 3.7371, by adding <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>a subdivision; 17.53, subdivision 16; 18B.345; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 31.122; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>31.94; 97B.516; Minnesota Statutes 2015 Supplement, sections 41A.14; 583.215; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B; repealing <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 4, article 2, section 81.<br />
         		"
         <table>
            <col width="50px"></col>
            <col width="252px"></col>
            <col width="42px"></col>
            <col width="252px"></col>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td colspan="3">We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>Senate Conferees:<br />
                  		<span width="2em"></span></td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>Dan Sparks<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td>Gary H. Dahms<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>Kent Eken<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>House Conferees:<br />
                  		<span width="2em"></span></td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>Paul Anderson<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td>Rod Hamilton<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td>Jeanne Poppe<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td></td>
               <td></td>
            </tr>
         </table>
      </div>