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Committee hears bill to create registration and labeling standards for biostimulants and beneficial substances
Summary
House Bill 1551 would create a new chapter to register and regulate "beneficial substances," add labeling standards and clarify exemptions; agency witnesses and agronomists voiced support while noting planned amendments to definitions and exemptions.
The House Agriculture Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1551, a proposal to create a statutory framework for registering and labeling biostimulants and other "beneficial substances."
Representative Craig Hedlund introduced the bill and said he sought agency input for technical drafting. Lucas Wagner, Pesticide and Fertilizer Division director speaking for the Agriculture Commissioner, testified the department supports HB1551 with amendments that add definitions (including investigational allowances, plant and soil amendments, inoculants) and a scope to move these products into a distinct chapter of the Century Code. Wagner told the committee the department currently registers more than 900 such products under existing fertilizer law but wants clearer labeling and authority to inspect and, when necessary, deny products that may cause harm.
"This would create a new chapter in 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the registration and regulation of beneficial substances," Wagner said, adding the draft would align state rules with emerging national standards.
Agronomist Sarah Hall Lovas testified in support and described situations where product claims lacked reliable supporting data; she said farmers and crop consultants need labeling and testing standards to compare product performance. "There is no responsibility on the companies as they stand today to actually make sure that we've got reliable information to stand behind what their market claims are," Lovas said.
Committee members asked whether manure, lime or gypsum should be explicit exemptions; Wagner said the bill as drafted already includes soil amendments and noted the department would provide an updated draft incorporating housekeeping changes and additional definitions. Rachel Gross of the Farm Bureau voiced organizational support.
No committee action was taken; members indicated amendments were expected and the bill will return to committee work for revision.
