HR3783-119

What This Bill Does

The Plant Biostimulant Act gives plant biostimulants a federal statutory definition and commissions a soil-health study. Section 2 amends FIFRA's plant regulator definition so it does not include plant biostimulants that are of biological origin, or synthetic compounds structurally similar and functionally identical to substances of biological origin, when they support natural plant processes independently of nutrient content. It defines a plant biostimulant as a substance, microorganism, or mixture applied to seeds, plants, the rhizosphere, soil, or growth media to support natural processes. It also adds plant biostimulants and nutritional chemicals to relevant FIFRA categories. Section 3 directs the Agriculture Secretary to study the types of and practices using plant biostimulants that best increase organic matter, reduce atmospheric volatilization, promote nutrient management, limit runoff or leaching of phosphorus and nitrogen into groundwater or other water sources, restore beneficial bioactivity or healthy nutrients to soil, aid carbon sequestration and nutrient-use efficiency, produce climate-related benefits, and support performance-based agricultural sustainability standards. USDA must publish and submit the report to House and Senate agriculture committees within two years after study funds first become available.

Who Benefits and How

Plant biostimulant manufacturers benefit from statutory definitions that can separate qualifying products from plant-regulator treatment. Farmers benefit if biostimulant practices improve soil organic matter, nutrient efficiency, runoff control, and crop sustainability. Sustainable agriculture researchers benefit from a USDA study on climate, soil, nutrient, and runoff outcomes. Soil health advocates benefit from federal attention to bioactivity, carbon sequestration, and performance-based standards.

Who Bears the Burden and How

EPA pesticide program staff must apply amended FIFRA definitions for plant regulators, plant biostimulants, and nutritional chemicals. USDA research staff must conduct the soil-health study and report results to agriculture committees. Conventional plant regulator registrants may face clearer competition from products classified as biostimulants. Agriculture committees must review the USDA report and potential follow-on regulatory or farm-bill implications.

Key Provisions

• Defines plant biostimulants as substances, microorganisms, or mixtures that support natural plant processes.
• Excludes qualifying biological-origin biostimulants from FIFRA plant-regulator treatment.
• Adds plant biostimulants and nutritional chemicals to FIFRA terminology.
• Requires USDA to study biostimulant practices for soil organic matter, nutrient management, runoff, bioactivity, and carbon sequestration.
• Requires USDA to publish and submit the study report within two years after funding becomes available.