The bill establishes a new subchapter in Iowa's Code, creating an innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program aimed at reducing the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers in crop production. The program's goal is to encourage farmers to optimize their fertilizer application rates, targeting a reduction of either 15 percent or 30 pounds per acre by utilizing cost-effective qualifying crop production products. The program will be administered by the division of soil conservation and water quality, which will select qualified producers annually and may offer incentive payments for each acre where qualifying products are applied.

To support the pilot program, a fund is created that will receive an annual appropriation of $2 million from the general fund, starting in the fiscal year 2025-2026. The division is also required to report on the program's status to the governor and general assembly by January 15, 2029. Additionally, any information collected under this program that identifies individuals or specific cropland locations will be treated as confidential. The provisions of this subchapter are set to be repealed on December 31, 2030.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12C.7