Bill
HF 942
Establishes a state pilot to cut nitrogen fertilizer use in crops, aiming for up to 15% or 30 lb N/acre reduction via approved products/methods, with annual producer selection.
HF 942 — Pilot program to reduce commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer use
Overview
HF 942 proposes a pilot program administered by the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer in crop production. The core aim is to achieve reductions using cost-effective qualifying products and methods, with an initial target expressed as the lesser of a 15% reduction or 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre. The bill allows for reevaluation if further reductions become feasible and specifies program administration, participation requirements, and recordkeeping.
Purpose and intent
- Establish a state-sponsored pilot to reduce nitrogen-based fertilizer application in crop production.
- Achieve reduction targets through identifiable qualifying crop production products and application methods.
- Allow the administering division to reassess goals if reductions exceed the initial threshold.
Key provisions
1) Program administration (NEW SECTION 466B.53)
- Administration: The Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality will administer the program.
- Rulemaking: The division may adopt rules under chapter 17A to implement the subchapter.
- Partnerships and cooperation: The division may contract with other parties (including private entities) to develop, implement, and manage aspects of the program, under the division’s direction. It may also cooperate with interested organizations that choose to participate.
2) Program requirements (NEW SECTION 466B.54)
- Annual participant selection: Each year, the division shall select qualified producers to participate, using criteria established by the division. Applicants from across all regions with active involvement in growing field crops must be considered. Selected producers may reapply in subsequent years.
- Approval of qualifying products and methods: The division will approve the use of qualifying crop production products and application methods in accordance with label instructions and division standards.
- Recordkeeping: Selected producers using qualifying products must maintain records as required by the division.
Who is affected
- Eligible producers/growers of field crops across all regions of the state who participate in the pilot.
- Private entities or organizations that might partner with the division to implement parts of the program.
- The Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality, which will administer rules, oversight, and reporting.
- Eligible suppliers of qualifying crop production products (as potential participants in the approved methods).
Timeline and procedural notes
- Status: Introduced and referred to Appropriations on March 12, 2025.
- As introduced, the bill authorizes program creation and administration but does not specify funding amounts or dates for implementation. It will proceed through committee review in Appropriations, with potential amendments and appropriations decisions.
Impact and considerations
- Environmental: Potential reduction in nitrogen runoff and related ecological impacts due to lower fertilizer use.
- Agricultural practice: Participants may need to adopt approved qualifying products and recordkeeping; potential changes in input costs depending on product choices and effectiveness.
- Compliance: Producers must follow division-approved practices and documentation requirements.
Next steps
- The bill will undergo committee consideration in Appropriations. Potential future amendments could address funding levels, eligibility criteria specifics, approved products, reporting metrics, and program duration.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
