MN HF1175

Establishes a voluntary Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) allowing agricultural producers to receive 10-year certification upon demonstrating water quality protection practices, with presumption of meeting targeted pollutant reduction goals during certification period.

Requires certification instrument development to assess water quality practices using existing regulations, technology, water quality index scoring, and landscape-specific metrics, with ability to update as practices and technology evolve.

Certifying agents must be agricultural conservation professionals employed by state/district/federal agencies or Minnesota certified crop advisors, pass comprehensive exams on water quality and farm management, and maintain continuing education requirements.

Certified producers retain certification for up to 10 years even if new state water protection laws take effect during the certification period, provided they maintain original certification practices and continue required record-keeping.

Commissioner authorized to conduct random audits, revoke certifications for non-compliance with ability to seek reimbursement of benefits, issue biennial reports to legislature, develop rules, and use gifts or state accounts for grants or financial assistance.