MN SF27

Appropriates $175,000 from the coronavirus relief federal fund in fiscal year 2020 to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to eligible farmers with approved farm debt restructuring loans from USDA Farm Service Agency or Rural Finance Authority.

Grants equal 50 percent of the loan origination fee required to obtain a USDA or Rural Finance Authority loan.

Defines "eligible farmer" as an individual regularly participating in physical labor or operations management who files Schedule F or operates a family farm under Minnesota law, with net worth less than $800,000 and currently in mediation or who has received a mediation notice under Minnesota Statutes chapter 583.

Requires first priority for grant applicants currently in mediation proceedings and second priority for those who received a mediation notice.

Allows unencumbered funds after November 15, 2020 to be distributed as grants of up to $5,000 per farmer to eligible farmers demonstrating COVID-19 financial hardship, with preference given to farmers in mediation.