SF 429 — Innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program
Overview
SF 429 creates a pilot program within the state’s soil and water conservation framework to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers in crop production. The program focuses on encouraging producers to use identifiable cost-effective crop production products to meet a specified reduction goal. It establishes a dedicated fund, includes annual appropriations, outlines administration and reporting requirements, and protects participant confidentiality.
Purpose and goal
- The primary aim is to encourage producers to optimize nitrogen-based fertilizer use and reduce application rates.
- The reduction target is the lesser of:
- 15 percent, or
- 30 pounds per acre
applied to qualifying crop production products.
Key provisions
Program administration
- The division (likely within the agriculture/land stewardship department’s soil and water conservation division) may administer the program by contracting with another party and may cooperate with interested organizations.
- Each year, the division must select qualified producers to participate.
- The division may award incentive payments to selected producers for each acre on which qualifying crop production products are applied to meet the program goal.
Program fund and appropriations
- A new fund, the Innovative Nutrient Incorporation Incentive Pilot Program Fund, is created.
- Fiscal year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) and each subsequent fiscal year through the 2030 fiscal year each receive an appropriation of $2 million from the general fund to support the program, continuing until the fund is repealed.
Program report
- The division must deliver an Innovative Nutrient Incorporation Incentive Pilot Program report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before January 15, 2029.
- The report should relay the program’s status and include recommendations on how producers may further reduce commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer use.
Confidentiality
- Information collected in conducting the program that identifies participants or cropland locations is confidential.
Timeline and status
- Introduced February 25, 2025; referred to Natural Resources and Environment.
- Subcommittee: Shipley, Staed, and Westrich.
- Primary sponsor: Senator Sweeney.
Who is affected
- Crop producers participating in the program, and the division administering the program.
- Potentially agricultural organizations and vendors supplying qualifying crop production products.
Notes
- The bill specifies a targeted, incentive-based approach with annual funding and a formal reporting requirement, but details such as the exact definition of “qualifying crop production products” and program implementation timelines beyond funding and reporting are not fully fleshed out in the text provided.
