Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Alex Padilla have introduced the Plant Biostimulant Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at creating a standardized process for approving plant biostimulants as alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The legislation is designed to support sustainable agricultural practices by promoting technologies that enhance soil health, carbon sequestration, and water quality.

Senator Marshall emphasized the importance of innovation in agriculture, stating, "Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture, and creating pathways for new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants to be approved for use allows our nation’s farmers to produce more food with fewer crop protection tools and fertilizers." He expressed pride in leading this bipartisan initiative alongside Senator Padilla.

Senator Padilla highlighted California's role in national agriculture, noting the need for proper implementation of evolving practices. "California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country," he said. "Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants... are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology."

The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Jim Baird and Jimmy Panetta. Representative Baird stressed the importance of a clear regulatory path for farmers' products: "Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market." Representative Panetta added that reintroducing this bill pushes for necessary clarity and federal coordination.

The act has received endorsements from various industry groups, including Agriculture Retailers Association, American Seed Trade Association, Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.

Russell Taylor from HPTA praised the bill's potential impact: “This essential bill provides a clear regulatory path for innovative products... It delivers the certainty needed to advance science-backed tools for a more sustainable American food supply.” Megan Provost from RISE also supported the legislation: “Plant biostimulants help homeowners, landscape professionals, and golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit us all.”

Rhett Evans from GCSAA remarked on its significance for golf courses: “This legislation will help ensure golf’s access to this valuable product.” Corey Rosenbusch from TFI noted its importance in defining plant biostimulants: “This bill provides a critical definition... which will help states establish a clear path to market.”

Keith Jones from BPIA commended Senators Marshall and Padilla's leadership: “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed regulatory clarity... By enabling greater investment in U.S. agricultural innovation, it strengthens our global competitiveness.”