MN HF2110

Expands shared savings loan program to include urban agriculture development in cities with populations greater than 60,000 and allows organizations in addition to individuals to apply for loans up to $40,000 (or $160,000 for joint projects).

Adds two urban agriculture practitioners to the loan review panel and requires consideration of urban agriculture projects alongside traditional farm sustainability projects.

Modifies sustainable agriculture demonstration grants to include urban agriculture development and fresh food access initiatives, with eligibility expanded to organizations and individuals in qualifying urban cities addressing food deserts.

Adds urban agriculture practitioners to the technical review panel and includes new ranking criteria for grants related to food access, food security, and health disparities in urban communities.

Expands the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture program to include rural and urban communities, identifies food deserts as a focus area, and adds a fifth program area focused on improving access to fresh produce and local food security in low to moderate income communities.