[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6573317,"mediaKeyId","3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b","parentId",3071606,"title","Committee hears testimony on restricting neonicotinoid‑treated seeds to protect pollinators and water (SF3083)","audioSeconds",1744,"startMs",5592000,"endMs",7336000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b&start=5592&end=7336","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b/thumbnail_5592000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6573317/Minnesota/Committee-hears-testimony-on-restricting-neonicotinoidtreated-seeds-to-protect-pollinators-and-water-SF3083","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573317-534a1cebd2562ad41ef3265bf51b8a65/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150919&Signature=PvSP7KKy~uxbvHOlT43q~o0ghDQCwxZm6y65VbrI9ezxSu3hfbOlJWcQ5NTpAqIvLrBGBMY-lpvjowROMeufECV1tGk5s8H7T3HclSFFuKaFT0IsoWyFIAu08eqgtw9gjnGHnrTnsmuPqwmvbXk1n55l-B54Ok5RZLvXKcuDhT9-raXDTZZ0jsIf-drBKBi79QxXu8toCLWMM5pvYPWoW-Ij5ByayyTBUu8szhD7M9ImfZCOSelkBYAqR4df8r5Ea6BPdtfBD6bO3gOeis9sxyXHrsHmU1T8s2PM~tHv2AAubjd037yQg46EVSnUPlpAIBMukRHoLng7ea825xrcxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-04-21T22:51:33.78Z","article","Senator Mary McKeown opened an informational hearing April 21 on Senate File 3083, a proposal aimed at restricting widespread, prophylactic use of neonicotinoid‑treated seeds to limit environmental and human exposure.

Beekeepers and pollinator advocates described sharp losses and field observations they attribute in part to neonics. Erin Rupp, a beekeeper with Pollinate Minnesota, said she teaches beekeeping to thousands and that \"my bee losses are in line with state and federal losses\" and that Minnesota losses were above 70 percent last year. She told the committee beekeepers and the Pollinator Stewardship Council have engaged regulators for years and that neonics are water soluble and move through ecosystems.

Environmental and aquatic testimony emphasized declines in insect hatches important to trout and other species. Monta Haynor, president of a local Fly Fishers International club and a Trout Unlimited member, said she has not seen large aquatic insect hatches since 2019 and that \"these rocks have about half the aquatic insects that they had 10 years ago,\" describing consequences for trout and the regional outdoor recreation economy.

Medical witnesses described studies linking neonic exposures to human health outcomes. Dr. Dawn Georgiev, a retired nephrologist and University of Minnesota faculty member, summarized animal and epidemiologic studies and testified that some population studies associate maternal exposure near agricultural use with increased risks of certain birth defects and low birth weight; she told the panel those findings merit regulatory caution and monitoring of drinking water.

Conservation scientists supported limiting prophylactic seed treatments and called for use only when a demonstrable need exists. Julia Brokaw of the Xerces Society framed the issue as protecting insect pollinators that provide billions in crop benefits annually.

Retail and grower witnesses described operational challenges and opposed strict verification. Ashley Runholt of Cottonwood Co‑op Oil Company compared seed treatment to standard preventive measures and warned that the bill's verification and labeling mechanics would be administratively burdensome for co‑ops and growers; Lee Helgen of the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers emphasized reliance on labeled uses and explained industry practices for seed treatment. Farmer testifiers who avoid neonics described voluntary reductions and urged more education for growers.

Senator McKeown closed the informational session by noting other nations have moved further on the issue and that the hearing provided a range of perspectives for future policymaking. The committee took no formal action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/21/25","oneSentenceSummary","Senate File 3083 drew extensive testimony about neonicotinoid‑treated seeds: beekeepers, conservationists and public‑health witnesses urged limits on prophylactic seed treatments, while seed dealers and crop retailers warned verification requirements would be difficult to implement.","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},6573322,"Senate panel reviews agrivoltaics, pollinator‑friendly solar and proposed specialty license plate funding (SF2653)",2536,3034000,5570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b&start=3034&end=5570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b/thumbnail_3034000.jpg","/articles/6573322/Minnesota/Senate-panel-reviews-agrivoltaics-pollinatorfriendly-solar-and-proposed-specialty-license-plate-funding-SF2653","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573322-142830f9eed18de5280b3f5dd00f7e58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150919&Signature=NmsPmZ6J52V56cajgAizjD~p62SrXWwJEmxzVLObzzwJVKRGYWJRkpjTzPcJAkpQIMmXoeFM0T7sCcLxYFquu4GOdE9Ksk72~vZP9dTeScxPH6A0bdjA5Kx3GxO-5V~chRhaHLUKuDtTSSltLGhyPAK-BHAmVMU905bFzpomrejLGbKNGfldLTSQvOZjhsCYsfonfIdep2TefymhTzmjxn2lJjFYVXXDfTCNctGJFi9upuXRjoRZD1IxfoSpbqcSEKDH6-Fd670c7oQfD9chWjEpTZ~q1UmzYo7v1kQq7V3ZI5~ycCTjhsQBWzZva2ChpaCVxiAh5SyOIbkf5kbGwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate File 2653, an informational proposal that would clarify a statutory definition of agrivoltaics and create a voluntary solar pollinator specialty license plate to fund the Habitat Friendly Solar Program, was presented April 21 to the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Senator Sarah Kopec (presenting the bill) said Minnesota's 2016 pollinator‑friendly solar statute and the Board of Water and Soil Resources' (BWSR) program produced measurable benefits: she cited a \"five‑year longitudinal study\" showing roughly a 20‑fold increase in native bumblebees and other pollinators at sites managed under the standard. Kopec said the program lacks a dedicated funding stream and that the proposed specialty plate would provide voluntary, user‑sourced support for monitoring and technical assistance.

Rob Schultz of Audubon Upper Mississippi River Region described Audubon's support for multi‑benefit solar projects and said the organization backs both the agrivoltaics definition and the license plate funding mechanism. Schultz called for \"solutions that avoid, minimize, offset, and monitor impacts on birds\" and noted Audubon's goal to support deployment of renewable energy while protecting wildlife.

Industry and developer representatives also testified in favor. Sarah Webbie of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association said agrivoltaics—growing crops, raising livestock or establishing pollinator habitat under and between panels—creates opportunities for dual land use and new local economic activity without mandates. Colleen Hollinger of Natural Resource Services described the success of the 2016 Habitat Friendly Solar standard in restoring native prairie under arrays and supported the voluntary plate as a way to fund ongoing monitoring and technical assistance by BWSR.

Research testimony highlighted operational examples and potential farmer benefits. Eric Buchanan of the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center described arrays raised high enough for dairy cows to graze, said shade reduced heat stress for cattle, and said agrivoltaics can keep farmland productive while generating a stable income stream for farmers.

Supporters emphasized the voluntary nature of the program and that the specialty plate would not draw on the general fund. Several testifiers referenced pilot projects where incubator farms used land under panels with longer‑term leases and infrastructure (well irrigation) that improved land access for emerging farmers.

The committee heard questions about siting, agricultural compatibility and CREP land; members were told the approach could broaden options for farmers and help meet renewable energy and pollinator‑habitat goals. The hearing was informational and no bill action occurred.","Witnesses described agrivoltaics and Minnesota's Habitat Friendly Solar program and supported Senate File 2653, which would add an agrivoltaics definition and create a voluntary specialty license plate to fund habitat monitoring and incentives administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.",{"_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},6573327,"Proposal seeks $2.5 million to help Black farmers, veterans buy equipment and build capacity (SF2473)",998,2441000,3439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b&start=2441&end=3439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b/thumbnail_2441000.jpg","/articles/6573327/Minnesota/Proposal-seeks-25-million-to-help-Black-farmers-veterans-buy-equipment-and-build-capacity-SF2473","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573327-f8343230c46066b8069a7dc89ec6d8c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150919&Signature=CVzUl5QfZA7XnlVkfSwxkUg0bbfOPi-jc5BASM~9cmwRYz9kxYZ0CcDKD17dGMBRW8Dwaukv7ZxSu5FD~2rKk3XtrWezSC1cxMHN0BSfsBVEByu3hZLbPRYnoQiLeoMty92SuaZyZgCEtUUNouQGSaJJLpC6f6Wwr2Bb3S6pXslmt4xycyWGM7YKljUMMyYvyQVXB26TaRZN2UfN8NwkfYNXQvEveWOHiy8DfvWYPmAbgSrGTuHxw7pPSkBnKDqe1~7JwBqU9BjDplXIGtOfi3z7AEHq1dUSLuvwv60Q6qpM4p2DN9yLHoZhBClqUKNfMxngKTCXEwM-o4WxAa3eAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Nick Hoffman introduced an informational proposal April 21 seeking a $2,500,000 appropriation in fiscal year 2026 to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to fund grants to the Minnesota Black Farmers Association and related cooperative efforts. The request is intended to help cooperatives of Black veteran farmers and other Black and immigrant farmers purchase modern equipment (for example skid steers and tractors with attachments) and to support shared‑use models and training.

Julius Cochran and Angela Dawson provided historical and on‑the‑ground context. Cochran recounted the history of Black farmers' contributions and the systemic barriers to land, credit and equipment since the 19th century, saying Black farmers face discrimination and limited access to capital that contributed to a decline in Black land ownership. Dawson, a fourth‑generation farmer and descendant of families who settled in Fergus Falls, described practical barriers she and other Black and immigrant farmers face in Minnesota and urged investment to help them participate fully in the state's agricultural economy.

Witnesses and proponents framed the request as an equity and resilience measure: testimony described cooperative ownership models, mentorship, and the goal of preventing land loss by making farms financially viable. Julius Cochran said the equipment fund would help farmers gain \"autonomy over our land\" by enabling them to do work—mowing, baling hay, and harvesting—without relying on neighbors who capture profits from sales.

Several organizations told the committee about existing incubator and training programs that would expand with state support. Karen Clark of the Women's Environmental Institute described the organization's long‑running incubator work teaching organic farming, food processing and marketing, and said state funding would expand infrastructure and processing capacity. Testimony from the Food Group and the Big River Farms incubator described a pilot where emerging farmers worked between solar panels and on other co‑located projects to gain longer leases and land access.

Michael Cheney, an urban‑farming advocate, and Michael LeVold and others testified about workforce development and infrastructure for emerging and urban farmers. The Somali American Farmers Institute (SAFI) and individual immigrant farmers described difficulties acquiring and holding land and the value of incubator access to equipment and training while they build toward ownership.

Sponsor Senator Hoffman and the testifiers framed the request as modest relative to needs and as an investment to increase inclusion in Minnesota's agriculture economy. Committee members were given time for questions; the hearing was informational and no formal action was taken.","Senate testimony supported a $2.5 million fiscal‑year‑2026 request to fund equipment and cooperative structures for Black farmers and veterans, and related incubator and training projects aiming to address historic disparities in land access, equipment and markets.",{"_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},6573332,"Senate committee hears evidence on testing orthophthalates in packaged food (SF188)",1784,626000,2410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b&start=626&end=2410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071606-13b745f247a51f76cf2027b139f44a7b/thumbnail_626000.jpg","/articles/6573332/Minnesota/Senate-committee-hears-evidence-on-testing-orthophthalates-in-packaged-food-SF188","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573332-fade3c932c4a1f8bf67571894a982166/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150919&Signature=OawU1frbPo9HoOrLF2WKBexNRRIhRCFdtFeXx5yja5idt00rMX4htbDQjVGEcmOP9ujUAj~kdbhOlMs1opmygxycxFy4u0k-d-qGDgx6CjsxZXIwCuhlCr70PEJsMGKffUFuFBYM8uRcvXSlwR5EoqFFHScyhxg3R10s06rw8ZT5c7GfTX2h3pF61DgC6qhG3BSCrOBnzLhMFE2y78OKGS4TzP9rLEgUfRyvF0uECbY34dmKkgC849BkTAdO4MwFono4N5rAY36o-QWJPvbcmDHR2XbHETxSzSkCqspDA-szvFDYX9Om7VnztXSmy1d0e2KsRpoJK1HPFRalEJoAdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate File 188, a bill that would require food manufacturers and brand owners to test packaged foods for ortho‑phthalates every two years and post results online, received an informational hearing April 21 before the Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development.

Senator Sarah Gustafson introduced the topic and framed the hearing as educational; no action was taken. Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumer Reports, told the committee the organization \"strongly support[s] Senate File 188\" and summarized Consumer Reports' January 2024 study in which staff tested 85 packaged foods for 10 ortho‑phthalates and \"found ortho‑phthalates in 84 of the 85 items we tested.\" Hansen said some products had levels “above which research has linked to health problems,” and that public reporting would let consumers make informed choices.

Other public‑health and conservation witnesses echoed concerns. Hannah Rezendes Olson, a Climate and Health Equity Leaders Fellow with Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, said Minnesota has previously moved ahead of federal regulators on chemicals and that \"Minnesotans deserve to know what is in their food.\" Vonn Stark, State Director of Clean Water Action Minnesota, and Laurie Olinger of the Coalition for Plastic Reduction urged transparency and noted state and federal reviews of phthalates are ongoing.

Industry witnesses cautioned the committee about implementation challenges. Darren Bridal, executive director of Minnesota AgriGrowth, described the bill as \"unworkable for four main reasons,\" emphasizing there is no U.S. health‑based value for phthalates in food and warning that publishing concentrations without an agreed health standard could spur litigation and misinformation. Andrew Morley of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce raised questions about laboratory capacity, supply‑chain tracing and whether test results would identify sources of contamination.

Several witnesses described technical and policy context cited by proponents: the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned eight ortho‑phthalates in certain children's products in 2017; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was reported by witnesses as reviewing authorized phthalate uses and, in 2022, removing some phthalates from food‑contact uses; and the Minnesota Department of Health lists multiple phthalates among chemicals of high concern. Supporters argued a Minnesota testing requirement could supply data for federal review and spur manufacturers to reduce contamination in packaging and processing equipment.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about how tests would be conducted and whether labs have capacity. Witnesses said most commercial labs already perform phthalate testing (one international lab cited doing about 10,000 food tests per day) and described a plausible process: purchase retail product, ship to a lab, receive results in roughly two weeks, then publish them online.

The informational hearing closed after additional public testimony from medical researchers and environmental groups. Chair Putnam reiterated that the session was educational and that SF188 would not move forward this session.

Ending: The committee did not take action on SF188; the hearing produced testimony and technical questions that sponsors and stakeholders said would inform future work on testing protocols, reporting formats, laboratory capacity and interactions with ongoing federal reviews.","An informational hearing on Senate File 188 explored requiring Minnesota food manufacturers to test packaged foods for ortho‑phthalates and publish results. Supporters cited Consumer Reports findings of phthalates in most tested foods; industry witnesses warned of scientific and implementation questions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears testimony on restricting neonicotinoid‑treated seeds to protect pollinators and water (SF3083)

Senate panel reviews agrivoltaics, pollinator‑friendly solar and proposed specialty license plate funding (SF2653)

Proposal seeks $2.5 million to help Black farmers, veterans buy equipment and build capacity (SF2473)

Senate committee hears evidence on testing orthophthalates in packaged food (SF188)