H.F. No. 4359 Summary

• Amends Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 3, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5 to modify appropriations for the "Administration and Financial Assistance" category, increasing the total from $9,839,000 to $9,861,000 in the first year and from $9,977,000 to $9,861,000 in the second year.

• Increases mental health counseling support funding from $238,000 to $260,000 in the second year for statewide mental health counseling to farm families and business operators through Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence, with South Central College and Central Lakes College as fiscal agents.

• Expands mental health support to include professionals who work with Minnesota farmers and ranchers, with Region Five Development Commission allowed to use up to 6.5 percent of grant funds for administration.

• Maintains various other agricultural grants and programs including farm advocate services, food bank support, agricultural education, and emerging farmer initiatives across both fiscal years.