[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6658923,"mediaKeyId","2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd","parentId",2474427,"title","Committee advances bill to expand biofuels infrastructure program and raise retailer eligibility cap","audioSeconds",223,"startMs",4277000,"endMs",4500000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd&start=4277&end=4500","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd/thumbnail_4277000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658923/Minnesota/Committee-advances-bill-to-expand-biofuels-infrastructure-program-and-raise-retailer-eligibility-cap","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658923-08d57a823820d4746637d0bd92cecdfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143575&Signature=ClZQkeeUTB8hrAThdeM926R-3EgZs7c9zBEJXMBi1T28osSUIRSHEl5AVjoXpMPgmTS6tzUC4dfETOTjM-vo0T~VigTTVf5As7UV6NWWyoymarwbI4uph0D16VfNXMqv9t4Xzbwbvp5aVE4y-EmR0p7tBLVf2pTgo8hJIhQvOZtQTxTGUSZ9r4LFt5YJsWzEskMUtZi7Y7gYftMcGRb3gBSAnfjMzjcu~bxGlPojotUJ09xX7esn~sTJLOAX-iYr-BYYoNb3QX5vcAMC7m5v2vBw5MMFp0eEoMCVhtfE8OitPOwP9VM26X2qMBX8TYLxJhE-oauPdXfoJ80l1ejAnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-03T22:56:00.733Z","article","The House Ag Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 26 considered House File 43, a bill to fund and expand Minnesota’s biofuels infrastructure grant program that supports retail upgrades to sell higher ethanol blends such as E15 (marketed as unleaded 88).

Chair Anderson said the program encourages use of E15 by helping retailers upgrade storage and pumps. He reviewed statewide usage figures cited by testifiers: average monthly E15 sales in 2024 were roughly 11.825 million gallons and, per testimony, E15 carried an average price discount of 16–17¢ per gallon last year—about $22.7 million in consumer savings statewide in 2024, he said.

Brian Werner of the Minnesota Biofuels Association described program outcomes: the program has helped push Minnesota past 500 retail stations offering E15 (about 25% of statewide stations), and MDA data show record statewide E15 sales of about 142 million gallons in 2024 (an 11% increase over 2023). Werner also noted federal regulatory changes: EPA announced a rule to allow year‑round E15 sales in several Midwestern states effective April 28; federal legislation is advancing that could authorize year‑round E15 nationwide.

The committee adopted an A1 amendment, offered by Chair Anderson, to change the eligibility cap from “15 retail dispensing sites” to “20 retail dispensing sites,” expanding the pool of retailers that may apply for grants. Mr. Savery, the fiscal analyst, told the committee the bill would appropriate $4.5 million in each fiscal year; the base is $3.0 million meaning the bill proposes $1.5 million above base in the upcoming biennium (the base returns to $3.0 million in later years in bill language presented).

Amanda Bilic, Senior Public Policy Director at the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, testified in support and noted the program’s return on investment and careful stewardship; she also said state programs are especially important because federal biofuels infrastructure funding is distributed nationwide and states can play a targeted role.

Why this matters: The bill aims to expand the availability of lower‑cost, higher‑octane fuel in Minnesota, support ethanol demand and processing, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through higher ethanol blends; changes to retailer eligibility would broaden the types of applicants who can receive grants for pump and tank upgrades.

Committee action: The A1 amendment (raising the retailer cap to 20 sites) was adopted by voice vote. Chair Anderson renewed his motion that House File 43 be laid over in committee for possible inclusion in budget language; the committee laid the bill over. The transcript records voice votes rather than roll‑call tallies.

Ending: The bill remains under committee consideration; staff and testifiers encouraged members to consider local retail and producer impacts as budget decisions proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/25","oneSentenceSummary","House File 43, amended to increase the retail‑site cap from 15 to 20, would expand the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s biofuels infrastructure grant program supporting E15 (unleaded 88) availability. The committee adopted the amendment and laid the bill over; testifiers cited consumer savings and increased E15 sales.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658927,"Committee reviews technical fix to bioincentive statute to restore 'advanced' biofuel definition",136,3874000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd&start=3874&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd/thumbnail_3874000.jpg","/articles/6658927/Minnesota/Committee-reviews-technical-fix-to-bioincentive-statute-to-restore-advanced-biofuel-definition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658927-e5a120f0a1ffee44001a3b0384574340/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143575&Signature=AXA4v3~G7GTocXGFh1nlVBKWTomp4brf5MRHOPZDrllqObcgP3HMAnsUuMyJQ72eApi-cJCvmm4lm9AP2MN7h7CIjleb8CcBzhorkgQPCmQmigu9pKjgkw38TqJeDWTc-vM5ZhvD-W~ZL5~-E3n0XtTD-QGvHv--Qxprg31jK3Oi2KoTS9Me4frsG~~N-KLq3WGaMKEUeePnBl6YbqFKBIj3bi5cQxzKO09hvd78UJhVz0xlJ7op8ZITEmcpcxxB9aBqlgCoOiRw7896Jp8~BKm62aBz8HodL2U1p69PPmR148bgdAX0apf7L8g9NView5m7Gv5t2J7HnB7Y6~5zvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee considered House File 1,500, a technical amendment to the Bioincentive Program statute intended to restore the program’s original focus on advanced biofuels.

Chair Anderson moved the bill and the committee heard from Brian Werner, Executive Director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association. Werner defined “advanced biofuel” in testimony as “a renewable fuel with at least 50% lower greenhouse gas emissions on a life cycle basis than petroleum,” and said many Minnesota producers now produce ethanol from corn kernel fiber—a process that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 70% compared with petroleum under life‑cycle modeling. He told the committee that a drafting error in a 2023 amendment removed the word “advanced” from the statute, creating an interpretation problem: the department had been treating the production cap as applying to total biofuel production rather than incremental advanced biofuel production, leading to denials of otherwise eligible applicants.

Werner: “When this program was established, the production cap was put in place to ensure that only new and additional production of advanced biofuel would qualify. It was never meant to apply to existing production.”

Why this matters: House File 1,500 is a one‑word technical fix supporters say will restore the program’s legislative intent so that ethanol produced by newer advanced processes can qualify for performance‑based bioincentive payments.

Committee action: Chair Anderson moved the bill; committee laid House File 1,500 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. No final appropriation was adopted in committee.

Notes on metrics and modeling: Representative Hansen asked whether emissions reductions cited were based on modeling or monitoring; Mr. Werner said the 70% reduction figure is based on life‑cycle modeling. The transcript does not include independent audit or monitoring data for modeled claims.

Ending: The committee held the bill over for further consideration as part of the budget process.","House File 1,500 would add the word “advanced” to a statutory definition used by the Bioincentive Program. Testimony said a drafting error in 2023 removed that limiting word and resulted in denials of applications; the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658932,"Department of Agriculture briefs committee on AGRI program, highlights Protect and Prepare grant responses",608,2440000,3048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd&start=2440&end=3048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd/thumbnail_2440000.jpg","/articles/6658932/Minnesota/Department-of-Agriculture-briefs-committee-on-AGRI-program-highlights-Protect-and-Prepare-grant-responses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658932-7acd1e8d49f9642859a19d20501d79ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143575&Signature=oV6chpWdQ1X-nbVhMnTXz7NcoBwXymY5mLPh-2QfwLXaRDr092psg7AbAgimhPi5EySjtnrdcDM7B1XrDngRp9Cqx40E90~9a9Vd6bUufxIND6aTQL6qlrq~Z2vISEn3-4RvZrwwNPrd-NLMAgX6mT0zU8EDpeeQBiXxBEC7fgMwwS8AmbWFCegGp5u2ejhDbGOm7TrIIaQ~adT3h58waV6ZEASPsDuHgZ3DPjLL69Rp6HZiHS2SYuXWEaZsrSLnFhjYxVLqQfpOlmIJ91SytunsIfTxe2wxGNxI53Alt6~tn2s79NHT4mXTzZOrn368kndGRw8EDtwdAFhGJAg5ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Agriculture staff gave the committee a detailed briefing on the Agriculture Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) program, describing how AGRI funds are used and highlighting several competitive grant programs that support processing infrastructure, livestock investment, and preparedness for disease and extreme weather.

Paul Huguenen, director of the Ag Marketing and Development Division, walked members through AGRI’s history, designated funding lines, and the mix of competitive and payment programs administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He said AGRI was created to keep former ethanol‑related producer payments invested in agriculture and that the program currently distributes funds across 16 programs. “If you look at the total appropriation, you take away the designated spending that leaves us with about $5.8 million of undesignated spending for basically everything else,” Huguenen said.

Huguenen and Assistant Director Ashley Bresk highlighted three grant lines that have recently used undesignated funds to respond to sector needs:
- Protect grants (biosecurity preparedness): created to help producers take steps—such as electronic ID or other biosecurity investments—to reduce the risk and spread of diseases like bovine tuberculosis, chronic wasting disease, African swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza. Fiscal 2024 requests were 127 applications totaling nearly $1 million, with roughly $400,000 funded.
- Prepare grants (extreme weather preparedness): designed to fund proactive investments—irrigation, livestock pond dredging, portable fencing, hail netting—to reduce impacts of droughts, floods and hail events. Last year requests exceeded $1.5 million and roughly $500,000 was awarded.
- Value‑Added and Meat/Poultry/Milk Processing grants: these fund equipment and infrastructure to retain and expand processing capacity; MDA staff emphasized coordination with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute on technical assistance and external review of applications.

Huguenen also noted internal controls and audit results: the Department provided records to the legislative auditor and, of roughly $14.5 million in payments reviewed, the auditor recommended reclaiming about one‑tenth of one percent—an outcome Huguenen described as a testament to oversight procedures.

Committee questions and staff responses focused on monitoring and long‑term outcomes. Representative Hansen asked how the agency tracks projects years after grant completion (changes in ownership, closure, or equipment resale). Huguenen said AGRI uses a competitive review and front‑end vetting—requiring business plans on larger requests—and the department performed a follow‑up survey of past grantees showing 89% of respondents reported increased gross revenue after projects were completed. He acknowledged long‑term ownership changes can occur and said the department’s emphasis is on vetting projects before award and periodically following up where feasible.

Why this matters: AGRI funds support processing capacity, livestock infrastructure, water and waste investments and readiness activities; those investments affect producers’ ability to respond to animal disease and extreme weather and to retain processing capacity in rural communities.

Ending: MDA staff encouraged members to review the department’s full AGRI legislative report (grantee spotlights, maps and recipient lists by legislative district) and offered to provide additional program metrics to legislators on request.","MDA staff reviewed the AGRI program portfolio, described several targeted grant programs (PROTECT, PREPARE, livestock investment and value‑added grants), and provided data on fund designation, grant volumes and program oversight; committee members asked about post‑award outcomes and program monitoring.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658937,"Committee reviews AURI funding requests; two bills on value‑added agriculture held over",156,1711000,1867000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd&start=1711&end=1867","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd/thumbnail_1711000.jpg","/articles/6658937/Minnesota/Committee-reviews-AURI-funding-requests-two-bills-on-valueadded-agriculture-held-over","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658937-cafddca5b4961d50051ed1731bb49171/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143575&Signature=nFZu8Y9plIaMhm7icmRSOMgQHlcxoc-ZPyagjvviM2cpYMw7l6xW6bipofITBQN-agS1a38EttDelMxPIMyXI~hs5uFypk93Rr8v~XubRiM4bCrxsXY8OO9L0VMlw9dVYRV3WpDoO3pndlWLdeV0Vp7TSOoRz6-hvJfg5~7n~6Qa5Rh-jhNNL5LSZZ-HVHG6c3Jxp82Rtyc6yTDCJoU15Zsxv39gddWrhTWvMuMnC31C1Kjj-A8Hw8G7mSOGYaH0DsqgroKNayJuTC7DteH8NFQegtMw~CNn3lO1ZFosfikqQiM2UHZ8jDrMUr1dHIfRyLKOfsPoIgkUWGMA4xb2dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Ag Finance and Policy Committee heard two related proposals to increase state funding for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) and received testimony from AURI leadership describing the institute’s work to add value to farm products.

Representative Nelson moved House File 857, which the nonpartisan fiscal analyst said would increase AURI’s base appropriation of $4,343,000 by $175,000 per year (a $350,000 increase over the biennium) beginning in fiscal 2026; the analyst added the bill contains no language making the increase one‑time, so it would carry into the next biennium. Shannon Schlicht, AURI executive director, described AURI’s role in converting raw agricultural commodities into higher‑value products and said the requested increase would help offset rising personnel and operational costs. “We’re very proud of the work that we do… we worked on over 200 projects last year with Minnesota businesses,” Schlicht said.

Representative Gander then moved House File 38, described in testimony as matching the governor’s request (a roughly 2% increase). Gander said he preferred the larger request but offered the governor’s number “to create a marker” and to ensure a funding option is in committee consideration.

Why this matters: AURI conducts technical assistance, product development and commercialization work aimed at expanding markets and value for Minnesota agricultural commodities; proponents argued modest increases yield high economic returns.

Details from testimony:
- The fiscal analyst (Mr. Savery) told members the base for each fiscal year in 2026–27 is $4,343,000 and the Nelson bill adds $175,000 per year (total $350,000 for the biennium), representing roughly a 4% increase over the biennium or about 2% per year. The governor’s request cited by Representative Gander is smaller (about a 2% increase).
- AURI’s executive director reported a fiscal‑year return metric of about “45 to 1” in new capital, sales and jobs created/retained for state dollars invested; AURI staff said they worked on more than 200 projects last year and provide technical assistance and commercialization support across multiple sites.
- Testimony emphasized AURI’s statewide reach and use as a resource for entrepreneurs and farmers seeking to add value to commodities.

Public testimony: Dan Sparks (AURI government and industry relations) and Shannon Schlicht (AURI executive director) presented on AURI’s recent work and thanked committee members and partners including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Farmers Union and Minnesota Farm Bureau.

Committee action: Both House File 857 (Representative Nelson) and House File 38 (Representative Gander) were held over for future consideration; no final appropriation was adopted in committee. Members were encouraged to review AURI’s legislative report and grantee lists provided in the packet.

Ending: Members said they would review documentation and consider the bills later in the session; both proposals remain under consideration.","The committee heard testimony on funding increases for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Representative Nelson’s bill would add $175,000 per year; Representative Gander carried an alternative bill matching the governor’s 2% recommendation. Both bills were held over for future consideration.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658942,"Committee hears Rural Finance Authority briefing; approves referral of bonding bill for RFA funding",326,71000,397000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd&start=71&end=397","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474427-706ace63257ec5d2f81cbcab554bcccd/thumbnail_71000.jpg","/articles/6658942/Minnesota/Committee-hears-Rural-Finance-Authority-briefing-approves-referral-of-bonding-bill-for-RFA-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658942-8dc57b45fca13cb5c4ff0ecc11b8d3c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143575&Signature=jgCs-~As5ltpI9kIAkggKdM7I231ZUgkz~QcrMEf60KYDLIFb8uDWt00LDBaUpN7D4IRPPaIKTdU55yTadrB9kpQjFmMUpYG8~-ZbHSc07AovNQBTN7YPOtLBmHIKZpY9N1I3PBJuM1IUJWU7g7tZL2ckLs9lGVK0yMtg5GA22HNruSmpDgkczvGXKURlZL--xiC4TSt2t45O-O4Fjp1QXDLjy6nczWwNEyWMfs3tlijmeyEa77I9qyvHCOlGvp0DmwwvHLcDgMCOWnz2zdNrSrQ5i2gdT8ZkMPQfpWQnMYO9cC21QUYBUjiZIMdYpQaDhSZcS2BJtOf8nG5WcMxdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota House Ag Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 26 heard a briefing from the Rural Finance Authority and approved sending House File 770 to the Committee on Capital Investment, Chair Anderson said.

Tom Peterson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and chair of the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) board, told the committee the RFA operates as “our bank for many different loan programs,” administering about 13 programs that partner with local lenders to provide lower‑interest financing to farmers. “We try to react to things that are really important,” Peterson said, noting the authority’s role in opening a disaster recovery loan window during recent avian influenza outbreaks.

The RFA’s Ag Finance Supervisor, Matt McDevitt, provided program details, telling members the authority has made more than 4,000 loans totaling over $417 million with a cumulative loan‑loss experience of “just under $700,000” (about 24 loans). McDevitt said bond‑funded and revolving accounts finance the programs and that the revolving funds are projected to be exhausted by December 2026 unless replenished. “Loan requests have been fairly steady even in a high interest rate environment,” he said.

Why this matters: RFA programs are used by beginning farmers and by operations seeking to restructure or recover from disasters; shortfalls in bond or revolving funding would constrain loans used to buy land, construct or repair livestock facilities, and fund other farm investments.

Key details from the presentation and committee exchange:
- RFA offers a variety of products, including beginning farmer seller‑assist loans (shared first position; RFA typically purchases 45% of a lender’s loan), agriculture improvement loans, restructure loans, livestock and equipment loans, disaster recovery loans (0% interest for some revolving funds; interest‑only first two years in select disaster loans), and a $15 million USDA‑backed meat and poultry intermediary lending program created in 2022 to support small and medium processors.
- The RFA reported roughly $39 million remaining of a $50 million 2023 bonding authorization and estimated that available funds would be exhausted by about December 2026 without additional authorization.
- The beginning‑farmer seller assist program net‑worth cap and current interest rates were discussed (McDevitt cited a current program rate around 5% for beginning farmer loans and lower rates where FSA participation reduces borrower cost).
- The RFA administers a $15,000 down‑payment assistance grant (lottery) supporting first‑time land buyers, currently funded at $750,000 annually and used to support 96 farmers to date, McDevitt said.

Public testimony and committee action: Two farmers and two statewide farm organizations spoke in favor of House File 770, which Chair Anderson said would authorize bonding authority to replenish RFA’s bond‑funded account. Matt Hardy of Rust Hill Ranch told the committee the RFA beginning farmer program “helped me purchase 40 acres and realize our dream of owning our own family farm.” Hunter Peterson for the Minnesota Farm Bureau said continuing investment in the RFA “is not just an investment in individual farms… it’s an investment in the economic health of our rural communities.”

Chair Anderson moved the A1 amendment (a technical correction) and an oral amendment reducing an erroneously large line item from $30,000,000 to $30,000 (cost of issuing bonds). Both the A1 amendment and the oral amendment were adopted by voice vote; after final remarks Chair Anderson renewed his motion that House File 770, as amended, be referred to the Committee on Capital Investment; the committee voice voted in favor and the motion prevailed.

Discussion vs. decision: The presentation supplied context and data about loan volume and program risk; public testimony provided constituent examples. The committee’s formal actions were adoption of two technical amendments and referral of House File 770 to Capital Investment. No final appropriation language or appropriation amounts beyond the technical correction were adopted in committee today.

Ending: Committee members thanked RFA staff for the presentation and allowed the bill to advance. The referral sends the bill to a committee that addresses bonding and capital allocation where members will consider funding details and timing related to statewide bonding priorities.","The House Ag Finance and Policy Committee heard a presentation from the Rural Finance Authority on its loan programs and projected funding shortfall, and Chair Anderson moved House File 770 to the Capital Investment Committee as amended. Committee adopted two technical amendments and referred the bill by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to expand biofuels infrastructure program and raise retailer eligibility cap

Committee reviews technical fix to bioincentive statute to restore 'advanced' biofuel definition

Department of Agriculture briefs committee on AGRI program, highlights Protect and Prepare grant responses

Committee reviews AURI funding requests; two bills on value‑added agriculture held over

Committee hears Rural Finance Authority briefing; approves referral of bonding bill for RFA funding