MN HF696

Commissioner of agriculture must solicit proposals for acquisition or dedication of a large tract of agricultural land to serve as an organic agriculture production and demonstration zone with sufficient size to buffer organic from conventional production.

Commissioner must assist the selected proposer with property acquisition, recruitment of agricultural producers, crop insurance acquisition, and market development for nontraditional and cover crops grown in the zone.

Commissioner must report annually by January 15 to legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance regarding activities and outcomes.

Property classified as class 2a used for organic production within the demonstration zone is eligible for an agricultural property tax credit equal to a specified amount per acre, in addition to existing homestead credits.

Credit applications must be filed with county assessor by June 30 of the assessment year for taxes payable in the following year, effective for taxes payable beginning in 2016.