HF1733 Summary

• Establishes saltwater aquaculture regulations including definitions of saltwater aquatic farms and life, with transportation permits required before importation or intrastate movement and quarantine requirements based on disease testing documentation.

• Classifies saltwater aquatic farms and processing facilities as agricultural operations for purposes of Pollution Control Agency permits and construction approvals.

• Extends the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force expiration date from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2024.

• Increases loan limits for beginning farmers through the Rural Finance Authority: livestock equipment loans from $40,000 to $100,000 and farm opportunity loans from $45,000 to $100,000 per individual (or $180,000 to $250,000 for groups).

• Makes various technical changes to food handler licensing, egg storage temperature requirements, milk storage limits (72 hours maximum), cheese manufacturing standards, and methane digester loan eligibility allowing repeat loans if previous loans are repaid.