SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee discussed legislation carried by Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth) to increase investments in research and equipment to support the Forever Green initiative. This program employs cutting-edge research focused on developing cover cropping and perennial plant systems that keep the land covered 365 days a year.
“Funding Forever Green is a win for our cities, rural regions, our agricultural sector, climate, and our food,” said Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth). “Public research investment is fundamental to providing new economic opportunities for growers, industry, and Minnesota communities across the state.”
According to the University of Minnesota, the Forever Green Initiative continues to develop and improve winter-hardy annual and perennial crops and cropping systems that protect soil and water. To support these ongoing efforts, Rep. Klevorn’s bill would appropriate $2,000,000 annually from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for grants to the University of Minnesota for the University’s Forever Green Initiative.
H.F. 1492 would also appropriate $10,000,000 from the general fund on a one-time basis to fund equipment and physical infrastructure that supports the Forever Green Initiative’s breeding, agronomic research, and food science activities.
The bill is being considered for inclusion in a future package of agriculture legislation.
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