Senate Bill 78 aims to amend existing regulations regarding the distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives derived from manure composting. The bill allows for the distribution of fertilizers with a combined weight of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium of less than 24 percent, which is a departure from the current requirement of at least 24 percent unless exempted by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Additionally, it exempts fertilizers produced from manure compost from needing to meet minimum nutrient content requirements. The bill also permits representations about nutrient content to be substantiated by typical analyses rather than guaranteed analyses, thereby simplifying the labeling process.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions, including the creation of terms such as "beneficial substance" and "vermicompost." It specifies that DATCP cannot mandate controlled experimental field tests to prove the efficacy of compost-based soil or plant additives, which contrasts with current law that allows such requirements. The bill also modifies existing language to clarify that if a typical analysis substantiates claims made on labels or permit applications, a guaranteed analysis is not necessary. Overall, these changes are intended to facilitate the use of compost-based fertilizers and soil additives while ensuring that labeling remains truthful and scientifically supported.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 94.64(3m)(a)(intro.), 94.64, 94.64(3m)(a)1, 94.64(9)(c), 94.65(4)(a)(intro.), 94.65, 94.65(4)(b)