MN HF3558

Encourages the commissioner to advance up to 50 percent of grant awards to farmers who are new to farming (less than 10 years), members of protected groups, or veterans who obtained status within the last 10 years.

Establishes an emerging farmers working group to advise the commissioner and legislature on programs for women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian or Alaskan Natives, members of communities of color, young, and urban farmers; expires August 1, 2025.

Doubles the maximum loan amount under the pilot agricultural microloan program from $10,000 to $20,000 per loan.

Defines "processing" of hemp as rendering hemp plants or parts from their natural state after harvest, including decortication, devitalization, chopping, crushing, extraction, and packaging, but excluding typical farm operations like sorting, grading, baling, and harvesting.

Modifies the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee to separately include township governments and county governments as distinct representatives and establishes a Seed Program Advisory Committee with specific membership requirements.