Bill to certify ag retailers under 4R nutrient stewardship moves to judiciary after amendment

Senate File 1840 (sponsored by Sen. Kupak) would create a voluntary grant program to certify agricultural retailers and cooperatives as 4R nutrient‑stewardship facilities and provide reimbursement and per‑acre incentives to encourage nutrient‑management practices.

Lee Hogan, executive director of Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, described the 4R standard (right source, rate, time, place) and said the bill would reimburse initial certification application and auditing costs (up to $5,000 per facility) and provide up to $0.50 per acre to certified facilities that help producers implement eligible nutrient‑management practices. A bonus payment would be available when a certified crop advisor (CCA) is involved. The bill also included funds for training and outreach.

Hogan said the structure aims to leverage the retailer/co‑op network to scale adoption because retailers serve large acreages. Sponsor Sen. Kupak described the program as scalable and estimated an initial appropriation of about $2.5 million to certify roughly 20 facilities and support about 2,000,000 acres. He said the program could be expanded after proof of concept.

Committee members questioned cost, program scope, data handling, and whether the program should be funded through Clean Water Fund resources. Hogan said the certification council would audit and approve facility certifications and that the department would handle payments and any needed audits. The bill contains data privacy language to keep grower‑level records nonpublic.

After adopting an A1 amendment that modified timing language and award discretion, the committee voted to pass Senate File 1840 and refer it to the Judiciary Committee.