Purpose

The bill would create an agricultural training program for Black youth on historical Black-owned farms in rural Minnesota. The program aims to teach both traditional and modern farming practices, sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, and would provide mentorship opportunities for participants.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: The Commissioner of Agriculture must establish an agricultural training program for Black youth at historical Black-owned farms located in rural Minnesota. The program should include training in:
  • traditional farming practices
  • modern farming practices
  • sustainable agriculture
  • entrepreneurship
  • community engagement It must also offer mentorship opportunities to Black youth interested in farming.
• Section 2: A onetime appropriation of $1,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the Commissioner of Agriculture to establish the program.

Significance and Potential Impact

• Creates a new, targeted program to support Black youth and promote farming on historical Black-owned farms.
• Combines hands-on agricultural training with business and community-focused skills, supported by mentorship.
• Provides a dedicated, one-time influx of state funding to launch the program.

What This Means for the Law

• Establishes a new program run by the Commissioner of Agriculture, specifically tied to Black youth and historical Black-owned farms in rural Minnesota.
• Introduces a one-time funding mechanism (from the general fund) to start the program in fiscal year 2026.

Relevant Terms

Black youth historical Black-owned farms rural Minnesota agricultural training program traditional farming practices modern farming practices sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship community engagement mentorship Commissioner of Agriculture general fund fiscal year 2026 one-time appropriation