Biodiesel plan

Minnesota may be the first state to require that all diesel fuel sold contain a biodiesel additive.
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel derived from vegetable oil or animal fats. The new law requires a 2 percent biodiesel blend to be established by March 1, 2005 or earlier if the state or federal government passes a biodiesel tax credit.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Finseth (R-Angus) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), the requirement will not take effect until the state's biodiesel production exceeds 8 million gallons.
HF1547/ SF1495*/ CH244

More dough for jam

Minnesota farmers will be able to earn up to $5,000 a year selling their jams or baked goods at farmers' markets or community events. Previously, they could pocket only $1,000 per year.
The law was sponsored by Rep. Leslie Schumacher (DFL-Princeton) and Sen. Dan Stevens (R-Mora).
HF3406/ SF3256*/ CH383

De-icer substances

An initiative encouraging the state to use corn-based de-icing solutions on roads did not pass on its own, but the premise did.
In the omnibus transportation law the encouragement of "corn-based" de-icers was replaced by the recommendation of "agriculture-based de-icing solutions."
Rep. Bob Ness (R-Dassel) and Sen. Dean Johnson (DFL-Willmar) sponsored the law.
HF3199/ SF3298*/ CH364

Manure basin moratorium

A measure calling for a methane digester loan program and a moratorium on new, open-air swine manure basins is now law.
It prohibits agencies from approving permits for the construction of a new, open-air swine manure basin. Farmers would be allowed to use one basin with less than a 1 million gallon capacity provided that it is part of a waste treatment program for resolving pollution problems.
The loan program will help finance capital investment costs associated with using manure to produce electricity.
Rep. Tim Finseth (R-Angus) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) sponsored the law.
HF3183*/ SF3219/ CH373

Other Agriculture stories

Return to today's Session Daily