MN HF2296

Expands disaster recovery loan program eligibility to include farmers who experience loss or damage from confirmed H5N2 avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks, allowing them to replace flocks, make building improvements, or cover revenue losses.

Increases maximum disaster recovery loan participation from $50,000 to $200,000 per eligible farmer through the Rural Finance Authority.

Appropriates $5,469,000 in fiscal year 2015 for avian influenza emergency response activities across multiple agencies: $3,619,000 to Agriculture Commissioner, $1,853,000 to Board of Animal Health, $103,000 to Health Commissioner, $350,000 to Natural Resources Commissioner for wildlife sampling, and $544,000 to Public Safety Commissioner for emergency operations.

Appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the Rural Finance Authority revolving loan account for disaster recovery loans under the modified program.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Management and Budget to transfer unexpended balances between agencies for avian influenza response and to use disaster contingency account funds for eligible avian influenza emergency response activities during fiscal years 2016 and 2017.