Olmsted County's farm program faces funding challenges

Olmsted County's soil health program, aimed at reducing nitrate pollution, has gained bipartisan support but faces funding challenges. The program, initially funded with $5 million in federal money, incentivizes farmers to plant crops that absorb nitrates. County officials are seeking state budget inclusion and have applied for $9 million in environmental grants. The program has already enrolled 113 farmers, who have planted nearly 25,000 acres, showing a 30% reduction in local groundwater nitrates. Concerns arise over potential funding sources, with some environmentalists wary of using the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The program is expected to continue until the initial funding runs out, with neighboring communities interested in similar initiatives.