Senators Marshall and Padilla Introduce Bipartisan Plant Biostimulant Act to Advance Agricultural Innovation

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) to introduce the Plant Biostimulant Act to establish a standardized process for approving the commercial use of plant biostimulants as alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Plant biostimulants have demonstrated potential in advancing sustainable practices, including carbon sequestration and water quality enhancement. The legislation would also support research into the benefits of these technologies for soil health.

“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,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside Senator Padilla as we work together to improve soil health.”

“California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “As we make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety.  Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”

Representatives Jim Baird (R-Indiana-4) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California-20) introduced the House companion bill.

“Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for farmers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Representative Baird. “Biostimulants have significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint. Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”

“The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Representative Panetta.” By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants. Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”

The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), 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.

“We thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for championing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Russell Taylor, President, Humic Products Trade Association. “This essential bill provides a clear regulatory path for innovative products, including humic substances, that build soil resilience and optimize nutrient use. It delivers the certainty needed to advance science-backed tools for a more sustainable American food supply.

“I’d like to thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Megan Provost, President of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment. “Plant biostimulants help homeowners, landscape professionals, and golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit us all. This legislation will help to clarify how they are defined and ensure access to these valuable products. We are excited to see bipartisan, bicameral legislation now gaining traction and hope for its inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill.”

“I’d like to thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Courses Superintendents Association of America. ”Plant biostimulants help golf course superintendents provide healthy green spaces that benefit everyone.  This legislation will help ensure golf’s access to this valuable product.”

“The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing this important legislation. This bill provides a critical definition for plant biostimulants, which will help states establish a clear path to market for these important products and technologies, critical to a variety of growers,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute.

“The reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulant Act in the Senate is a pivotal step forward, and we commend Senators Roger Marshall and Alex Padilla for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance. “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed regulatory clarity for plant biostimulants – ensuring a consistent federal definition and a predictable path to market for these innovative tools. By enabling greater investment in U.S. agricultural innovation, it strengthens our global competitiveness and supports long-term sustainability. BPIA stands ready to work with Congress, growers, and partners across the agricultural community to get this bill passed and deliver the solutions our farmers deserve.”

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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