Last week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall  (R-KS)  announced introduction of the Fertilizer Stewardship, Utilization, Sustainability, Technology, Access, Innovation, and Nourishment (Fertilizer SUSTAIN) Act. 

The bill specifically targets revisions to The National Environmental Policy Act modifying the permitting process for phosphate and potash mining, as well as designation as critical minerals.  The legislation also makes it easier for farmers to access funds from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service by exempting certified crop advisors from the technical service provider provisions.  Of particular interest to the Biostimulant industry, the bill requires USDA to review nutrient management practices for ways in which plant biostimulants could be used in conservation practices. Marshall intends to get the SUSTAIN Act included in the next farm bill. His measure is one of several markers bills that lawmakers have introduced in this Congress to lay out proposals for the farm bill debate. Our national association, The Fertilizer Institute Other have summarized the legislation in a fact sheet.