MN HF179

Changes the shared savings loan program from "must" to "may" provide loans, and adds urban agriculture development in cities with populations greater than 60,000 as an eligible use.

Expands the loan review panel to include two residents practicing urban agriculture, in addition to existing members of lenders, sustainable and organic farmers, farm management specialists, and postsecondary education representatives.

Modifies the sustainable agriculture demonstration grants program to explicitly include urban agriculture development in cities with populations greater than 60,000 and to address fresh food access and food deserts through urban agriculture projects.

Adds two residents practicing urban agriculture to the technical review panel for grant applications and includes new ranking criteria related to addressing fresh food access, affordable organic foods, and health disparities related to food access.

Increases grant funding limits to not exceed $50,000 (from $25,000) when matched equally by applicants, and allows projects to continue for up to three years with reevaluation requirements for multiyear funding.