By Scout Nelson
Minnesota farmers are gaining valuable support thanks to the passage of the Agriculture and Broadband Development Policy and Finance Bill and the Legacy Finance Bill, signed into law by Governor Walz in May 2025.
These new laws reflect bipartisan cooperation to support rural communities and strengthen agriculture statewide.
The Agriculture Bill includes $1.5 million in one-time funding for the Agricultural Emergency Account, aiding disaster response and disease outbreaks like avian influenza. It also boosts funding for Protect Grants targeting avian flu and adds support for rural mental health and farm safety.
Biofuels remain a top priority, with the Biofuels Infrastructure Grant expanding eligibility from 10 to 20 retail locations. This expansion will increase ethanol access for Minnesotans and boost the state’s renewable fuel use.
The Farm Down Payment Assistance Program will now award up to $20,000 to first-time farm buyers—up from $15,000—helping young and beginning farmers enter the industry. Continued funding also supports international trade staff, keeping Minnesota’s ag exports competitive.
The Legacy Bill maintains funding for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, which has enrolled more than 1.18 million acres.
Soil Health Equipment Grants and the Minnesota Ag Weather Network will also expand, offering more tools for conservation and real-time weather tracking across central and southern regions.
“These budget bills will shape our work for the next two years and set us up for a positive future,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.
With advocacy from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, the new funding ensures that farmers are better protected, resourced, and supported as they face the challenges of today and prepare for tomorrow.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Energy, Weather