MN HF779

Creates the Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer Board consisting of the agriculture commissioner, University of Minnesota dean, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities representative, two statewide agriculture organization representatives, one agriculture industry representative, state and federal agricultural commodity group representatives, and a forest products manufacturer representative.

Commissioner and dean serve as non-voting co-chairs; board members from organizations are chosen by their respective organizations and receive no daily or expense compensation.

Board provides grants for agricultural research and technology transfer, agriculture rapid response for plant and animal diseases and pests, and agricultural education including farm business management and graduate debt forgiveness programs.

Appropriates $18,750,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $18,750,000 for fiscal year 2017 from the general fund, with at least $2,000,000 annually for agriculture rapid response and at least $2,400,000 annually for agricultural education.

Creates an agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer fund in the state treasury; commissioner provides administrative services and acts as fiscal agent; new funds must supplement rather than replace existing funding sources.