Naig reflects on newly-passed ag provisions

     On April 27, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reflected on landmark agriculture provisions passed by the Iowa Legislature during the 2019 session. This includes additional funding for foreign animal disease response preparations, more support for beginning farmers, continued funding for water quality and the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, and the passage of the Iowa Hemp Act, among others.

     “I want to thank Gov. Reynolds and the Legislature for the meaningful discussions and important actions taken during the 2019 legislative session,” said Secretary Naig. “I’m proud to have worked with the Legislature to pass several bills that create new opportunities and provide additional protections for agriculture. Our department will continue to be a resource for Gov. Reynolds as she considers each bill for signing into law.”

     Among those actions:

Water Quality

     The Legislature showed continued support for the state’s ongoing water quality efforts by approving $10.575 million in funding to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative. If signed into law, this funding will be used to accelerate the implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

     “Just last week, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced more than $1.5 million in funding for 19 new projects through the Water Quality Initiative,” said Naig. “With this funding, we will continue working with farmers, landowners and communities to implement these and other conservation projects around the state.”

Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness

     The Legislature also provided an additional $250,000 to help animal health experts prepare for a foreign animal disease outbreak. If signed into law, the funds will be used to increase the department’s human resources, training and supplies needed to help identify, contain and eradicate potential foreign animal diseases. In addition, the Legislature provided an additional $300,000 in funding for the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Hemp Regulation

     The Iowa Hemp Act (SF599) would give the Department regulatory authority over hemp production in Iowa. If signed into law, this bill would legalize the production, processing and marketing of hemp in Iowa; it would not legalize recreational use of marijuana or cannabis above 0.3 percent THC. Farmers cannot legally grow hemp in Iowa until the U.S. Department of Agriculture approves the state’s proposed regulatory plan, and farmers must have a license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to grow it.

     “The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for commercial hemp production,” said Naig. “We’ve collaborated with other state agencies as well as law enforcement officials to prepare for the potential deregulation of hemp in Iowa. We advise growers to do their research to be sure there is a viable, profitable market for commercial hemp before they make the investment.”

Renewable Fuels

     The Legislature provided $3 million through the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund to continue the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. This program offers cost-share grants to help fuel retailers install E85 dispensers, blender pumps, biodiesel dispensers and biodiesel storage facilities, which makes it easier for consumers to purchase renewable fuels.

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program

     To support the next generation in agriculture, the Legislature passed tax credit bill HF768. Existing landowners are given a tax credit for leasing their land to beginning farmers. Cash rent, commodity share and flex leases to beginning farmers qualify for the credit, which is equal to 5 percent and 15 percent, respectively, of the lease payment. If signed into law, up to $12 million in ag leases would be available each year.

     “This legislation reduces the barrier to entry for the next generation of farmers, which is an important step towards attracting and retaining agricultural leaders,” said Naig. “I was proud to advocate on behalf of this program.”