Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Studies

(1218 § 3) Study the formula for conducting an economic analysis for assessment drain projects and the projected cost threshold for conducting economic analyses.

(2157 § 1) Study the feasibility and desirability of creating a program that would allow a farmer or rancher to complete a safety course to receive a discount on insurance relating to the individual's farming or ranching operation. The study must include the development of a proposed safety course, the feasible amount of an insurance premium discount, and eligibility requirements for applicants seeking to participate in the discount program. The study must include input from the Insurance Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, the North Dakota State University Extension Service, and farm, livestock, and agricultural insurance agencies operating in the state.

(3018) Consider studying water and wetlands regulations and the taxation of inundated lands in the state. The study must include a review of the different methods to assess and document boundaries for wetlands; an examination of the regulation of water, wetlands, and inundated lands laws of other states; an inventory of all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relating to the jurisdiction of water and wetlands; an analysis of the environmental protection and public health jurisdictional framework, including an identification of potential conflicts, overlaps, and gaps in authority; and recommendations for improving the clarity, consistency, and efficiency of the jurisdictional framework in water management. The study also must explore viable legal options to fill and drain nuisance areas, examine the impacts of seasonal wet areas on agriculture productivity and soil health, and identify the value of these areas to resident wildlife.

Reports

Receive at least one report from the Agriculture Commissioner during the 2025-26 interim regarding autonomous technology grants to individuals or entities in the agriculture industry, including a list of grant recipients, the amounts awarded, and a description of the use of the grant funding. (2025 House Bill No. 1009 § 12)

Receive a report from the Agriculture Commissioner before July 1, 2026, regarding the findings and recommendations of the study to review the potential benefits of expanding irrigation throughout the state. (2025 House Bill No. 1531 § 1)

Receive a report from the Agriculture Commissioner regarding the status of the low-carbon fuels fund, including the revenues deposited in the fund, the low-carbon fuel incentives distributed from the fund, and the balance of the fund. (2025 Senate Bill No. 2333 § 1) (NDCC § 4.1-01-21.2)

Receive a biennial report from the Agriculture Commissioner regarding environmental impact mitigation fund disbursements. (NDCC § 4.1-01-21.1(6))

Receive a report from the Model Zoning Review Task Force on the development of a new or updated model zoning ordinance related to animal feeding operations. (NDCC § 4.1-01-28)

Receive a report from the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education on its annual evaluation of research activities and expenditures. (NDCC § 15-12.1-17(8))