The governor’s budget includes an additional $117 million over the next four years for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This proposal includes $4 million for a soil health financial assistance program and $4 million in revolving loans to improve water quality. Deputy Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said additional dollars are being sought to address agricultural emergencies, like High-Path Avian Influenza or African Swine Fever. “Luckily, we’ve been able to get funds appropriated quickly from the Legislature in the past for response activities, but we want to ensure we have ample funding in case we are not in session and have to respond quickly.” The governor’s budget also calls for $3 million to build out the infrastructure for higher blends of biofuels and $300,000 to hire a climate coordinator.
