H.F. 4812 Summary

• Appropriates $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 for drought relief grants to livestock farmers and specialty crop producers, with $5,500,000 dedicated to livestock farmers and $1,500,000 available for both groups, with maximum payments of $5,000 on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible producers in USDA-designated disaster counties.

• Provides up to $100,000 for reimbursements to livestock farmers for feed transportation expenses at $6.60 per mile up to 25 miles, for costs not covered by the USDA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish program.

• Appropriates $1,500,000 to the Rural Finance Authority revolving loan account for drought relief loans, with unused funds available for other eligible Rural Finance Authority programs.

• Appropriates $1,000,000 to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory equipment to test for chronic wasting disease, African swine fever, avian influenza, and other animal diseases.

• Transfers $500,000 to the agricultural emergency account for avian influenza testing supplies, including poultry drinking water tests, through December 31, 2022; requires annual reports on grant and loan utilization through January 10, 2025.