Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1879

Introduced
2/20/23  
Refer
2/20/23  

Caption

Beginning farmer tax credit for the sale of an agricultural asset eligibility modification; credit administration appropriation and sunset of the credit repeal authorization

Impact

The intended impact of SF1879 on state laws focuses on facilitating agricultural transitions by amending Minnesota Statute 41B.0391 concerning tax credits for agricultural asset sales. This amendment is expected to clarify and improve access to financial incentives, which would likely assist in the onboarding of new farmers into an industry where entry costs can be significant. Furthermore, the bill seeks to enhance state agricultural policy by ensuring that begins farmers have a viable pathway to acquire necessary resources from current asset holders.

Summary

SF1879 proposes modifications to the eligibility requirements for the beginning farmer tax credit related to the sale of agricultural assets in Minnesota. The bill aims to encourage more agricultural transactions between established farmers and beginning farmers by adjusting the tax credit percentages, increasing the maximum amounts credited. This initiative targets a more favorable financial environment for new farmers, ultimately seeking to elevate the number of beginning farmers within the state by alleviating some of their initial financial burdens. The eligibility for this tax credit is structured to offer better support based on fair market valuations of agricultural assets.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SF1879 is generally positive, as both legislative supporters and agricultural stakeholder groups view the bill as a necessary enhancement to existing agricultural financial programs. Many proponents believe that better facilitating asset transfers from established farmers to beginning farmers will promote diversity and sustainability within the agricultural sector. However, there are concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of financial incentives and whether they sufficiently engage the target demographics of beginning farmers.

Contention

Despite its positive reception, some points of contention exist regarding SF1879, particularly concerning the potential for exclusionary practices in asset transfer processes and the necessity for ongoing reporting to ensure that tax credits effectively meet their goals. There are worries that without stringent oversight, the changes could lead to unequal access to the benefits of the credits, especially for socially disadvantaged farmers. As the legislation progresses, discussions will likely revolve around balancing support across diverse farmer demographics while effectively deploying state resources.

Companion Bills

MN HF2277

Similar To Eligibility for beginning farmer tax credit modified for sale of agricultural asset, credit administration funding provided, sunset of credit repealed, and money appropriated.

Previously Filed As

MN HF2277

Eligibility for beginning farmer tax credit modified for sale of agricultural asset, credit administration funding provided, sunset of credit repealed, and money appropriated.

MN SF1674

Sunset extension of the beginning farmer management and agricultural assets credits

MN HF1553

Individual income tax provisions modified, beginning farmer management and agricultural assets credits sunset extended, credit rate modified, and sales to family members to qualify allowed.

MN HF1292

Beginning farmer tax credits eligibility expanded.

MN SF560

Eligibility expansion for beginning farmer tax credits

MN SF1428

Beginning farmer tax credits eligibility expansion provision

MN HB1003

To Create Income Tax Credits For Beginning Farmers And Owners Of Agricultural Assets.

MN SF1419

Agricultural assets owners available credit cap elimination provision

MN HF1626

Agricultural asset available credit amount cap eliminated.

MN HF1794

Beginning farmer tax credit eligibility expanded.

Similar Bills

MN SF3955

Omnibus Agriculture supplemental appropriations

MN SF5049

Various agricultural definitions and grants provisions modifications and appropriations

MN HF4908

Limited-resource farmer defined, farm down payment assistance grants reporting requirements modified, beginning farmer tax credit and certain grants eligibility and priority modified, and social equity applicants definition modified for purposes of cannabis licensing.

MN HF5229

Agriculture provisions modified, and money appropriated.

MN SF5365

Agricultural provisions modifications and appropriation

MN HF2446

Agriculture and broadband development policy and finance bill.

MN SF2610

Beginning farmer program provisions modification

MN HF2280

Beginning farmer program provisions modified, grain buyer provisions modified, commissioner of agriculture permissions granted to protect public health against fertilizer and fertilizer by-products, and biodiesel fuel mandate reporting provision repealed.