First U.S. Definition of Plant Biostimulants

U.S. House of Representatives Releases Draft 2018 Farm Bill:
Includes Biostimulants Definition

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A
draft of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill provides the first definition for
plant biostimulants by the U.S. government. It requires the USDA to
perform a study on the potential regulatory and legislative reforms
needed to ensure appropriate review, approval and uniform national
labeling for biostimulant products. Chairman of the House Agriculture
Committee, Michael Conaway (R-Texas), released the bill.

The draft Farm Bill defines plant biostimulants as “a substance or
micro-organism that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere,
stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake,
nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, or crop quality and
yield.”

“The inclusion of a definition for plant biostimulants in the Farm Bill
represents a critical initial step in the legislative process that will
ultimately support the development of new sustainable technologies for
agriculture and U.S. farmers,” said David Beaudreau, Executive Director
of the U.S. Biostimulant Coalition (USBC). “This bill will need to be
considered and possibly amended by both the House of Representatives and
the Senate before adoption and signature by the President.”

“This is the first definition of plant biostimulants in any proposed
U.S. legislation and it is largely consistent with the definition
currently under review within the European Union,” said Keith Jones,
Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA).
“This is a major step forward for biostimulant manufacturers, and it is
the direct result of a joint effort led by the BPIA and the USBC on
behalf of the entire biostimulants industry. We urge Congress to
complete a Farm Bill with this language included.”

About BPIA

The Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA) is the premier
organization dedicated to fostering the use of biological technology
including biopesticides and biostimulants. Biological products are
reduced-risk products based on biological or naturally derived
chemistry. BPIA is a rapidly growing association with now over 125
member companies ranging from small, innovative sole proprietors to
large, international companies. Our member companies have developed
dependable, pioneering products for commercial agriculture, forestry,
home gardens, horticulture, ornamentals, public health, and turf. Our
members provide solutions that benefit growers, consumers, and the
environment. For more information see www.bpia.org.

About USBC

The USBC is a joint initiative of companies that develop, sell, and/or
market biological, naturally-derived products, and/or similar products
intended for use as beneficial plant biostimulants. Our companies
develop new technologies that aim to improve agricultural sustainability
and to improve food safety, therefore benefiting the American farmers
and consumers. The Coalition is a nonprofit affiliation of interested
parties. For more information,see www.biostimulantcoalition.org.

Contacts

The Biological Products Industry Alliance
Keith Jones
Phone:
202.570.1411
[email protected]