Assembly Bill 93 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding the distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives derived from manure, specifically those produced through composting or vermicomposting. 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 that mandates a minimum of 24 percent. Additionally, it exempts fertilizers produced from composting manure from needing to meet minimum nutrient content requirements. The bill also permits representations about the nutrient content of these fertilizers to be substantiated by typical analyses rather than guaranteed analyses, thereby simplifying the labeling process.

Furthermore, the bill eliminates the requirement for controlled experimental field tests to demonstrate the efficacy of soil or plant additives made from composted manure. It introduces new definitions, such as "beneficial substance" and "vermicompost," and allows for the truthfulness of statements on labels and permit applications to be supported by typical analyses. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is restricted from requiring controlled experimental studies for compost-based soil or plant additives, streamlining the approval process for these products. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the use of composted manure in agriculture 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)