The bill seeks to modernize and enhance agricultural regulations in Iowa, focusing on crop production, animal health, and agricultural processing. It redefines "agricultural land" to include real property used for agricultural commodities, even if taken out of production for environmental protection. New definitions are introduced for terms such as "beneficial substance," which refers to substances that improve plant growth but are not classified as pesticides, and "plant amendment." The bill also modifies the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's structure by replacing "state chemist" with "bureau chief of the Iowa laboratory bureau" and clarifies the responsibilities of licensees regarding fertilizers and beneficial substances.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations on the licensing, registration, and inspection of fertilizers and soil conditioners, now referred to as "beneficial substances." It prohibits the manufacturing or sale of beneficial substances that contain harmful items and places the burden of proof for their beneficial effects on registrants. The bill empowers the secretary to enforce compliance through various measures, including stop sale orders and inspections. It also introduces provisions for the management of pesticides and animal health, allowing for emergency rule-making to address outbreaks of infectious diseases. Overall, the bill aims to streamline agricultural practices, enhance animal health oversight, and ensure compliance with federal standards.

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