The bill seeks to modernize and enhance agricultural regulations in Iowa, focusing on various aspects such as crop production, animal health, and the marketing of agricultural products. Key amendments include a revised definition of "agricultural land," which now specifies that it must be real property of ten acres or more used for agricultural commodities during three out of the past five years. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "beneficial substance," "plant amendment," and "soil inoculant," while also updating existing definitions to clarify the roles of the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Additionally, the bill modifies licensing requirements for the manufacture and distribution of fertilizers and beneficial substances, establishing a twenty-dollar license fee for each location and replacing "soil conditioner" with "beneficial substance" throughout the text.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of licensees, including the payment of inspection fees and the submission of semiannual distribution statements for commercial fertilizers and beneficial substances. It introduces a groundwater protection fee for nitrogen-based fertilizers and grants the secretary of agriculture authority to sample and inspect these products for compliance. The bill also clarifies the definitions and responsibilities associated with labeling and marketing fertilizers and beneficial substances, ensuring accurate representation to prevent misleading claims. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing agricultural practices, improve safety and efficacy standards, and protect consumers and the environment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6A.21, 190C.22, 200.3, 200.4, 200.5, 200.6, 200.9, 200.12, 17A.7, 200.16, 200.17, 200.18, 200.19, 200.20, 200.22, 200A.2, 202.1, 321.1, 403.17, 455B.411, 455E.11, 200.8, 554.9102, 163.1, 17A.4, 162.2, 169.12, 459.501, 717.5, 189A.2, 189A.3, 189A.4, 189A.5, 189A.7, 203.12, 203D.6, 203D.3, 203D.5, 203D.3A