HB 1181 reduces the cap on the credit sale contract indemnity fund from $10 million to $4 million.  Based on past trends the fund should hit $4 million in late 2007.  Under this bill the assessment would cease at that point and not kick in again unless the fund drops to $2 million due to loss payouts.  That lower trigger is now $5 million.  The Wimbledon Grain insolvency had about $1.25 million in credit sales.  Member comments on what the Grain Dealers Association stand should be on this bill are welcome.

HB 1185 says no ND checkoff is to be taken on dry peas or lentils grown in a state or province that levies and imposes its own assessment on that crop.

HB 1250 provides incentive grants of $100 per acre to farmers who propose raising new or nontraditional crops.  Limit is $5000 per farmer and a total $200,000 is to be made available.

SB 2063 exempts organic soybeans from the soybean checkoff.  Growers can pay if they want to.  ND Soybean Council says the change is needed to conform with federal law.

SB 2077 is a PSC bill regarding weighing or measuring devices.  It is OK.

SB 2095 changes the definition of commercial pesticide applicator so as not to include homeowners.  It had been interpreted that way.

SB 2107 allows the ND Ag Department to collect for and pay fees assessed by USDA for federal plant export certificates issued by the Ag Commissioner.