The Minnesota State Senate approved the agriculture budget yesterday by a 63 to 3 vote during the June Special Session. This followed similar action in the House. Minnesota Pork Producers Association CEO Dave Preisler says the ag budget is a solid deal and included several key priorities they advocated for during the regular session.

The budget also included $750,000 to expand small and mid-scale meat and poultry processing plants, plus more than $250,000 to support inspections

Preisler says there are still a few items left to finalize but overall they’re pleased with the results of the session.

Other wins for agriculture included $6 million to build out biofuels infrastructure at small fuel retailers and $150,000 to establish an Emerging Farmer Office.

The bill is now headed to Governor Walz’s desk for his final signature. Lawmakers must compete work on a state budget before June 30 to avoid a government shutdown.