HF1747 Summary

• The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute must prepare a detailed study of Minnesota's food production sector in coordination with state colleges, universities, and community-based organizations to define employment base and identify opportunities to increase green jobs in organics, local, conventional, natural, traditional, and urban farming sectors.

• Study findings must be reported by January 15, 2010 to legislative committees with jurisdiction over employment and economic development policy and finance.

• Fiscal year 2009 appropriation from federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds is allocated to the commissioner of agriculture for grants funding farm-to-school and farm-to-home pilot projects in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

• Pilot projects must encourage healthy eating for children and strengthen local economies, with grant awards made in consultation with Green Jobs Task Force legislative members.