Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0484 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

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1		-	~~BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE~~ H.484
	1	+	BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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3		-	H.484
4		-	IntroducedbyCommitteeonAgriculture,FoodResiliency,andForestry
5		-	Date:
6		-	Subject:Agriculture;fertilizer;beneficialsubstances;miscellaneoussubjects
7		-	Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestoamendthe
8		-	Statestatutesontheuseofplantamendments,plantbiostimulants,andsoil
9		-	amendmentstobeconsistentwiththeuniformstandardsforregulationof
10		-	beneficialsubstances.Thebillwoulddefine“beneficialsubstances”tomean
11		-	anysubstanceorcompound,otherthanprimary,secondary,andmicroplant
12		-	nutrients(fertilizers),andexcludingpesticides,thatcanbedemonstratedby
13		-	scientificresearchtobebeneficialtooneormorespeciesofplants,soil,or
14		-	media.
15		-	Anactrelatingtomiscellaneousagriculturalsubjects
16		-	ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
17		-	Sec.1.6V.S.A.chapter28isamendedtoread:
18		-	CHAPTER28.FERTILIZERAND,LIME,ANDBENEFICIAL
19		-	SUBSTANCES
20		-	§361.TITLE
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	5	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	6	+	H.484 1
	7	+	Introduced by Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry 2
	8	+	Date: 3
	9	+	Subject: Agriculture; fertilizer; beneficial substances; miscellaneous subjects 4
	10	+	Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to amend the 5
	11	+	State statutes on the use of plant amendments, plant biostimulants, and soil 6
	12	+	amendments to be consistent with the uniform standards for regulation of 7
	13	+	beneficial substances. The bill would define “beneficial substances” to mean 8
	14	+	any substance or compound, other than primary, secondary, and micro plant 9
	15	+	nutrients (fertilizers), and excluding pesticides, that can be demonstrated by 10
	16	+	scientific research to be beneficial to one or more species of plants, soil, or 11
	17	+	media. 12
	18	+	An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects 13
	19	+	It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 14
	20	+	Sec. 1. 6 V.S.A. chapter 28 is amended to read: 15
	21	+	CHAPTER 28. FERTILIZER AND, LIME, AND BENEFICIAL 16
	22	+	SUBSTANCES 17
	23	+	§ 361. TITLE 18
	24	+	This chapter shall be known as the “Fertilizer, Lime, Plant Amendment, 19
	25	+	Plant Biostimulant, and Soil Amendment and Beneficial Substances Law.” 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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40		-	Thischaptershallbeknownasthe“Fertilizer,Lime,PlantAmendment,
41		-	PlantBiostimulant,andSoilAmendmentandBeneficialSubstancesLaw.”
42		-	§362.ENFORCINGOFFICIAL
43		-	ThischaptershallbeadministeredbytheSecretaryofAgriculture,Food
44		-	andMarketsordesignee,hereafterreferredtoastheSecretary.
45		-	§363.DEFINITIONS
46		-	Asusedinthischapter:
47		-	(1)“Agriculturallime”or“agriculturallimingmaterial”or“lime”
48		-	meansoneormoreofthefollowing:
49		-	(A)Allproductswithcalciumandmagnesiumcompoundsthatare
50		-	capableofneutralizingsoilacidityandthatareintended,sold,orofferedfor
51		-	saleforagriculturalorplantpropagationpurposes.
52		-	(B)Limestoneconsistingessentiallyofcalciumcarbonateora
53		-	combinationofcalciumcarbonatewithmagnesiumcarbonatecapableof
54		-	neutralizingsoilacidity.
55		-	(C)Industrialwasteorindustrialby-productsthatcontaincalcium;
56		-	calciumandmagnesium;orcalcium,magnesium,andpotassiuminformsthat
57		-	arecapableofneutralizingsoilacidityandthatareintended,sold,oroffered
58		-	forsaleforagriculturalpurposes.Forthepurposesofthischapter,theterms
59		-	“agriculturallime,”“lime,”and“agriculturallimingmaterial”shallhavethe
60		-	samemeaning.
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	30	+	§ 362. ENFORCING OFFICIAL 1
	31	+	This chapter shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food 2
	32	+	and Markets or designee, hereafter referred to as the Secretary. 3
	33	+	§ 363. DEFINITIONS 4
	34	+	As used in this chapter: 5
	35	+	(1) “Agricultural lime” or “agricultural liming material” or “lime” 6
	36	+	means one or more of the following: 7
	37	+	(A) All products with calcium and magnesium compounds that are 8
	38	+	capable of neutralizing soil acidity and that are intended, sold, or offered for 9
	39	+	sale for agricultural or plant propagation purposes. 10
	40	+	(B) Limestone consisting essentially of calcium carbonate or a 11
	41	+	combination of calcium carbonate with magnesium carbonate capable of 12
	42	+	neutralizing soil acidity. 13
	43	+	(C) Industrial waste or industrial by-products that contain calcium; 14
	44	+	calcium and magnesium; or calcium, magnesium, and potassium in forms that 15
	45	+	are capable of neutralizing soil acidity and that are intended, sold, or offered 16
	46	+	for sale for agricultural purposes. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms 17
	47	+	“agricultural lime,” “lime,” and “agricultural liming material” shall have the 18
	48	+	same meaning. 19
	49	+	(2) “Beneficial substance” means any substance or compound, other 20
	50	+	than primary, secondary, and micro plant nutrients (fertilizers), and excluding 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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83		-	(2)“Beneficialsubstance”meansanysubstanceorcompound,other
84		-	thanprimary,secondary,andmicroplantnutrients(fertilizers),andexcluding
85		-	pesticides,thatcanbedemonstratedbyscientificresearchtobebeneficialto
86		-	oneormorespeciesofplants,soil,ormedia.Beneficialsubstancesinclude
87		-	plantamendments,plantbiostimulants,plantinoculants,soilamendments,soil
88		-	inoculants,andotherchemicalorbiologicalsubstancesbeneficialtoplantsor
89		-	theirgrowingenvironment.
90		-	(3)“Brand”meansaterm,design,ortrademarkusedinconnectionwith
91		-	oneormoregradesorformulasoffertilizer,plantamendment,plant
92		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime.
93		-	(3)(4)“Distribute”meanstoimport,consign,manufacture,produce,
94		-	compound,mix,blend,offerforsale,sell,barter,orsupplyafertilizer,aplant
95		-	amendment,aplantbiostimulant,asoilamendmentabeneficialsubstance,or
96		-	limeinthisStatethroughanymeans,includingsalesoutlets,catalogues,the
97		-	telephone,theinternet,oranyelectronicmeans.
98		-	(4)(5)“Distributor”meansanypersonwhodistributesfertilizer,plant
99		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentsbeneficialsubstance,orlime.
100		-	(5)(6)“Exceptionalqualitybiosolid”meansaproductderivedinwhole
101		-	orinpartfromdomesticwastesthathavebeensubjectedtoandmeetthe
102		-	requirementsofthefollowing:
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	53	+
	54	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	55	+	pesticides, that can be demonstrated by scientific research to be beneficial to 1
	56	+	one or more species of plants, soil, or media. Beneficial substances include 2
	57	+	plant amendments, plant biostimulants, plant inoculants, soil amendments, soil 3
	58	+	inoculants, and other chemical or biological substances beneficial to plants or 4
	59	+	their growing environment. 5
	60	+	(3) “Brand” means a term, design, or trademark used in connection with 6
	61	+	one or more grades or formulas of fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 7
	62	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime. 8
	63	+	(3)(4) “Distribute” means to import, consign, manufacture, produce, 9
	64	+	compound, mix, blend, offer for sale, sell, barter, or supply a fertilizer, a plant 10
	65	+	amendment, a plant biostimulant, a soil amendment a beneficial substance, or 11
	66	+	lime in this State through any means, including sales outlets, catalogues, the 12
	67	+	telephone, the internet, or any electronic means. 13
	68	+	(4)(5) “Distributor” means any person who distributes fertilizer, plant 14
	69	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendments beneficial substance, or lime. 15
	70	+	(5)(6) “Exceptional quality biosolid” means a product derived in whole 16
	71	+	or in part from domestic wastes that have been subjected to and meet the 17
	72	+	requirements of the following: 18
	73	+	(A) a pathogen reduction process established in 40 C.F.R. 19
	74	+	§ 503.32(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8); 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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124		-	(A)apathogenreductionprocessestablishedin40C.F.R.
125		-	§ 503.32(a)(3),(4),(7),or(8);
126		-	(B)oneofthevectorattractionreductionstandardsestablishedin40
127		-	C.F.R.§503.33;
128		-	(C)thecontaminantconcentrationlimitsinVermontSolidWaste
129		-	Rules§6-1303(a)(1);and
130		-	(D)ifderivedfromacompostingprocess,VermontSolidWaste
131		-	Rules§6-1303(a)(5).
132		-	(6)(7)“Fertilizer”meansanysubstancecontainingoneormore
133		-	recognizedplantnutrientsthatisusedforitsplantnutrientcontentandthatis
134		-	designedforuseorclaimedtohavevalueinpromotingplantgrowthorhealth,
135		-	exceptunprocessedanimalorvegetablemanuresandotherproductsexempted
136		-	bytheSecretary.
137		-	(A)Afertilizermaterialisasubstancethateither:
138		-	(i)containsimportantquantitiesofatleastoneoftheprimary
139		-	plantnutrients:nitrogen,phosphorus,orpotassium;
140		-	(ii)has85percentormoreofitsplantnutrientcontentpresentin
141		-	theformofasinglechemicalcompound;or
142		-	(iii)isderivedfromaplantorchemicalresidueorby-productor
143		-	naturalmaterialdepositthathasbeenprocessedinsuchawaythatitscontent
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	77	+
	78	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	79	+	(B) one of the vector attraction reduction standards established in 40 1
	80	+	C.F.R. § 503.33; 2
	81	+	(C) the contaminant concentration limits in Vermont Solid Waste 3
	82	+	Rules § 6-1303(a)(1); and 4
	83	+	(D) if derived from a composting process, Vermont Solid Waste 5
	84	+	Rules § 6-1303(a)(5). 6
	85	+	(6)(7) “Fertilizer” means any substance containing one or more 7
	86	+	recognized plant nutrients that is used for its plant nutrient content and that is 8
	87	+	designed for use or claimed to have value in promoting plant growth or health, 9
	88	+	except unprocessed animal or vegetable manures and other products exempted 10
	89	+	by the Secretary. 11
	90	+	(A) A fertilizer material is a substance that either: 12
	91	+	(i) contains important quantities of at least one of the primary 13
	92	+	plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium; 14
	93	+	(ii) has 85 percent or more of its plant nutrient content present in 15
	94	+	the form of a single chemical compound; or 16
	95	+	(iii) is derived from a plant or chemical residue or by-product or 17
	96	+	natural material deposit that has been processed in such a way that its content 18
	97	+	of plant nutrients has not been materially changed except by purification and 19
	98	+	concentration. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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165		-	ofplantnutrientshasnotbeenmateriallychangedexceptbypurificationand
166		-	concentration.
167		-	(B)Amixedfertilizerisafertilizercontaininganycombinationor
168		-	mixtureoffertilizermaterials.
169		-	(C)Aspecialtyfertilizerisafertilizerdistributedfornonfarmuse.
170		-	(D)Abulkfertilizerisafertilizerdistributedinanonpackagedform.
171		-	(7)(8)“Formulation”meansamaterialormixtureofmaterialsprepared
172		-	accordingtoaparticularformula.
173		-	(8)(9)“Grade”meansthepercentageoftotalnitrogen,available
174		-	phosphorusorphosphoricacid,andsolublepotassiumorpotashstatedin
175		-	wholenumbersinthesameterms,order,orpercentagesasintheguaranteed
176		-	analysis.Specialtyfertilizersandfertilizermaterialsmaybeguaranteedin
177		-	fractionalterms.Anygradeexpressedinfractionaltermsthatisnotpreceded
178		-	byawholenumbershallbeprecededbyzero.
179		-	(9)(10)“Guaranteedanalysis”means:
180		-	(A)inreferencetofertilizer,theminimumpercentagesofplant
181		-	nutrientsclaimedbythemanufacturerorproduceroftheproductinthe
182		-	followingorderandform:nitrogen,phosphorus,andpotash;and
183		-	(B)inreferencetoagriculturallimeoragriculturallimingmaterial,
184		-	theminimumpercentagesofcalciumoxideandmagnesiumoxideorcalcium
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	102	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	103	+	(B) A mixed fertilizer is a fertilizer containing any combination or 1
	104	+	mixture of fertilizer materials. 2
	105	+	(C) A specialty fertilizer is a fertilizer distributed for nonfarm use. 3
	106	+	(D) A bulk fertilizer is a fertilizer distributed in a nonpackaged form. 4
	107	+	(7)(8) “Formulation” means a material or mixture of materials prepared 5
	108	+	according to a particular formula. 6
	109	+	(8)(9) “Grade” means the percentage of total nitrogen, available 7
	110	+	phosphorus or phosphoric acid, and soluble potassium or potash stated in 8
	111	+	whole numbers in the same terms, order, or percentages as in the guaranteed 9
	112	+	analysis. Specialty fertilizers and fertilizer materials may be guaranteed in 10
	113	+	fractional terms. Any grade expressed in fractional terms that is not preceded 11
	114	+	by a whole number shall be preceded by zero. 12
	115	+	(9)(10) “Guaranteed analysis” means: 13
	116	+	(A) in reference to fertilizer, the minimum percentages of plant 14
	117	+	nutrients claimed by the manufacturer or producer of the product in the 15
	118	+	following order and form: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash; and 16
	119	+	(B) in reference to agricultural lime or agricultural liming material, 17
	120	+	the minimum percentages of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide or calcium 18
	121	+	carbonate and the calcium carbonate equivalent, or both, as claimed by the 19
	122	+	manufacturer or producer of the product. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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206		-	carbonateandthecalciumcarbonateequivalent,orboth,asclaimedbythe
207		-	manufacturerorproduceroftheproduct.
208		-	(10)(11)“Label”meansthedisplayofallwritten,printed,orgraphic
209		-	matterupontheimmediatecontainerorastatementaccompanyingafertilizer,
210		-	plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,or
211		-	lime.
212		-	(11)(12)“Labeling”meansallwritten,printed,orgraphicmaterialupon
213		-	oraccompanyinganyfertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soil
214		-	amendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime,includingadvertisements,brochures,
215		-	posters,andtelevisionandradioannouncementsusedinpromotingthesaleof
216		-	thefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficial
217		-	substance,orlime.
218		-	(12)(13)“Officialsample”meansanysampleoffertilizer,plant
219		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime
220		-	takenbytheSecretary.
221		-	(13)(14)“Plantamendment”meansanysubstanceappliedtoplantsor
222		-	seedsthatisintendedtoimprovegrowth,yield,productquality,reproduction,
223		-	flavor,orotherfavorablecharacteristicsofplants,exceptforfertilizer,soil
224		-	amendments,agriculturallimingmaterials,animalandvegetablemanures,
225		-	pesticides,plantregulators,andothermaterialsexemptedbyruleadopted
226		-	underthischapter.
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	125	+
	126	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	127	+	(10)(11) “Label” means the display of all written, printed, or graphic 1
	128	+	matter upon the immediate container or a statement accompanying a fertilizer, 2
	129	+	plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or 3
	130	+	lime. 4
	131	+	(11)(12) “Labeling” means all written, printed, or graphic material upon 5
	132	+	or accompanying any fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil 6
	133	+	amendment beneficial substance, or lime, including advertisements, brochures, 7
	134	+	posters, and television and radio announcements used in promoting the sale of 8
	135	+	the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial 9
	136	+	substance, or lime. 10
	137	+	(12)(13) “Official sample” means any sample of fertilizer, plant 11
	138	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime 12
	139	+	taken by the Secretary. 13
	140	+	(13)(14) “Plant amendment” means any substance applied to plants or 14
	141	+	seeds that is intended to improve growth, yield, product quality, reproduction, 15
	142	+	flavor, or other favorable characteristics of plants, except for fertilizer, soil 16
	143	+	amendments, agricultural liming materials, animal and vegetable manures, 17
	144	+	pesticides, plant regulators, and other materials exempted by rule adopted 18
	145	+	under this chapter. 19
	146	+	(14)(15) “Plant biostimulant” means a substance or, microorganism, or 20
	147	+	mixtures thereof that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere, 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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249		-	(14)(15)“Plantbiostimulant”meansasubstanceor,microorganism,or
250		-	mixturesthereofthat,whenappliedtoseeds,plants,ortherhizosphere,
251		-	stimulatessoil,orothergrowthmediaacttosupportaplant’snaturalnutrition
252		-	processestoenhanceorbenefitnutrientuptake,nutrientefficiency,tolerance
253		-	toabioticstress,orcropqualityandyield,exceptforfertilizers,soil
254		-	amendments,plantamendments,orpesticidesindependentlyofthe
255		-	biostimulant’snutrientcontent.Theplantbiostimulanttherebyimproves
256		-	nutrientavailability,uptake,oruseefficiency;tolerancetoabioticstress;and
257		-	consequentgrowthdevelopment,quality,oryield.TheSecretarymaymodify
258		-	thedefinitionof“plantbiostimulant”byruleorprocedureinordertomaintain
259		-	consistencywithU.S.DepartmentofAgriculturerequirements.
260		-	(16)“Plantinoculant”meansaproductconsistingofmicroorganismsto
261		-	beappliedtotheplantorsoilforthepurposeofenhancingtheavailabilityor
262		-	uptakeofplantnutrientsthroughtherootsystem.
263		-	(15)(17)“Percent”or“percentage”meansthepercentagebyweight.
264		-	(16)(18)“Primarynutrient”includesnitrogen,availablephosphoricacid
265		-	orphosphorus,andsolublepotashorpotassium.
266		-	(17)(19)“Product”meansthenameofthefertilizer,plantamendment,
267		-	plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimethatidentifies
268		-	itastokind,class,orspecificuse.
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	149	+
	150	+
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	152	+	stimulates soil, or other growth media act to support a plant’s natural nutrition 1
	153	+	processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance 2
	154	+	to abiotic stress, or crop quality and yield, except for fertilizers, soil 3
	155	+	amendments, plant amendments, or pesticides independently of the 4
	156	+	biostimulant’s nutrient content. The plant biostimulant thereby improves 5
	157	+	nutrient availability, uptake, or use efficiency; tolerance to abiotic stress; and 6
	158	+	consequent growth development, quality, or yield. The Secretary may modify 7
	159	+	the definition of “plant biostimulant” by rule or procedure in order to maintain 8
	160	+	consistency with U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements. 9
	161	+	(16) “Plant inoculant” means a product consisting of microorganisms to 10
	162	+	be applied to the plant or soil for the purpose of enhancing the availability or 11
	163	+	uptake of plant nutrients through the root system. 12
	164	+	(15)(17) “Percent” or “percentage” means the percentage by weight. 13
	165	+	(16)(18) “Primary nutrient” includes nitrogen, available phosphoric acid 14
	166	+	or phosphorus, and soluble potash or potassium. 15
	167	+	(17)(19) “Product” means the name of the fertilizer, plant amendment, 16
	168	+	plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime that identifies 17
	169	+	it as to kind, class, or specific use. 18
	170	+	(18)(20) “Registrant” means the person who registers a fertilizer, plant 19
	171	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime 20
	172	+	under the provisions of this chapter. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
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290		-	(18)(20)“Registrant”meansthepersonwhoregistersafertilizer,plant
291		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime
292		-	undertheprovisionsofthischapter.
293		-	(19)(21)“Soilamendment”meansasubstanceormixtureofsubstance
294		-	thatisintendedtoimprovethephysical,chemical,biochemical,biological,or
295		-	othercharacteristicsofthesoiloradistinctformofhorticulturalgrowing
296		-	mediausedinlieuofsoil.“Soilamendment”doesnotmeanfertilizers,
297		-	agriculturallimingmaterials,unprocessedanimalmanures,unprocessed
298		-	vegetablemanures,pesticides,plantbiostimulants,andothermaterials
299		-	exemptedbyrule.Acompostproductfromafacilityunderthejurisdictionof
300		-	theAgencyofNaturalResources’SolidWasteManagementRulesor
301		-	exceptionalqualitybiosolidsshallnotberegulatedasasoilamendmentunder
302		-	thischapter,unlessmarketedanddistributedfortheuseintheproductionofan
303		-	agriculturalcommodity.
304		-	(22)“Soilinoculant”meansamicrobialproductthatisappliedto
305		-	colonizethesoiltobenefitthesoilchemistry,biology,orstructure.
306		-	(20)(23)“Ton”meansanetweightof2,000poundsavoirdupois.
307		-	(21)(24)“Use”includesallpurposesforwhichafertilizer,plant
308		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime
309		-	isapplied.
310		-	1
311		-	2
312		-	3
313		-	4
314		-	5
315		-	6
316		-	7
317		-	8
318		-	9
319		-	10
320		-	11
321		-	12
322		-	13
323		-	14
324		-	15
325		-	16
326		-	17
327		-	18
328		-	19
329		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	174	+
	175	+
	176	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	177	+	(19)(21) “Soil amendment” means a substance or mixture of substance 1
	178	+	that is intended to improve the physical, chemical, biochemical, biological, or 2
	179	+	other characteristics of the soil or a distinct form of horticultural growing 3
	180	+	media used in lieu of soil. “Soil amendment” does not mean fertilizers, 4
	181	+	agricultural liming materials, unprocessed animal manures, unprocessed 5
	182	+	vegetable manures, pesticides, plant biostimulants, and other materials 6
	183	+	exempted by rule. A compost product from a facility under the jurisdiction of 7
	184	+	the Agency of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Rules or 8
	185	+	exceptional quality biosolids shall not be regulated as a soil amendment under 9
	186	+	this chapter, unless marketed and distributed for the use in the production of an 10
	187	+	agricultural commodity. 11
	188	+	(22) “Soil inoculant” means a microbial product that is applied to 12
	189	+	colonize the soil to benefit the soil chemistry, biology, or structure. 13
	190	+	(20)(23) “Ton” means a net weight of 2,000 pounds avoirdupois. 14
	191	+	(21)(24) “Use” includes all purposes for which a fertilizer, plant 15
	192	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime 16
	193	+	is applied. 17
	194	+	(22)(25) “Weight” means the weight of undried material as offered for 18
	195	+	sale. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
330	196		2025 Page 9 of 25
331		-	(22)(25)“Weight”meanstheweightofundriedmaterialasofferedfor
332		-	sale.
333		-	§364.REGISTRATION
334		-	(a)Eachbrandorgradeorformulaoffertilizer,plantamendment,plant
335		-	biostimulant,orsoilamendmentbeneficialsubstanceshallberegisteredinthe
336		-	nameofthepersonwhosenameappearsuponthelabelbeforebeing
337		-	distributedinthisState.Theapplicationforregistrationshallbesubmittedto
338		-	theSecretaryonaformfurnishedbytheAgencyofAgriculture,Foodand
339		-	Marketsandshallbeaccompaniedbyafeeof$85.00pergradeorformulation
340		-	registered.UponapprovalbytheSecretary,acopyoftheregistrationshallbe
341		-	furnishedtotheapplicant.AllregistrationsexpireonDecember31ofeach
342		-	year.Theapplicationshallincludethefollowinginformation:
343		-	(1)thebrandandgradeorformulation;
344		-	(2)theguaranteedanalysisifapplicable;and
345		-	(3)thenameandaddressoftheregistrant.
346		-	(b)Adistributorshallnotberequiredtoregisteranyfertilizer,plant
347		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendmentorbeneficialsubstancethat
348		-	isalreadyregisteredunderthischapterbyanotherperson,providedthereisno
349		-	changeinthelabelforthefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,or
350		-	soilamendmentorbeneficialsubstance.
351		-	1
352		-	2
353		-	3
354		-	4
355		-	5
356		-	6
357		-	7
358		-	8
359		-	9
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363		-	13
364		-	14
365		-	15
366		-	16
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368		-	18
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370		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	197	+
	198	+
	199	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	200	+	§ 364. REGISTRATION 1
	201	+	(a) Each brand or grade or formula of fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 2
	202	+	biostimulant, or soil amendment beneficial substance shall be registered in the 3
	203	+	name of the person whose name appears upon the label before being 4
	204	+	distributed in this State. The application for registration shall be submitted to 5
	205	+	the Secretary on a form furnished by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and 6
	206	+	Markets and shall be accompanied by a fee of $85.00 per grade or formulation 7
	207	+	registered. Upon approval by the Secretary, a copy of the registration shall be 8
	208	+	furnished to the applicant. All registrations expire on December 31 of each 9
	209	+	year. The application shall include the following information: 10
	210	+	(1) the brand and grade or formulation; 11
	211	+	(2) the guaranteed analysis if applicable; and 12
	212	+	(3) the name and address of the registrant. 13
	213	+	(b) A distributor shall not be required to register any fertilizer, plant 14
	214	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment or beneficial substance that 15
	215	+	is already registered under this chapter by another person, provided there is no 16
	216	+	change in the label for the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or 17
	217	+	soil amendment or beneficial substance. 18
	218	+	(c) Each beneficial substance brand shall refer to a specific formulation. 19
	219	+	Different brands may refer to the same specific formulation. Products for 20
	220	+	which formulations change, such as changes in the “Contains Beneficial 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
371	221		2025 Page 10 of 25
372		-	(c)Eachbeneficialsubstancebrandshallrefertoaspecificformulation.
373		-	Differentbrandsmayrefertothesamespecificformulation.Productsfor
374		-	whichformulationschange,suchaschangesinthe“ContainsBeneficial
375		-	Substances”analysis,statementofcomposition,oranythingthatimpliesa
376		-	differentproduct,mustobtainanewregistrationwithabrandthat
377		-	distinguishesitfromthepreviousformulation.
378		-	(d)Adistributorshallnotberequiredtoregistereachgradeoffertilizer
379		-	formulatedoreachformulationofsoilamendmentaccordingtospecifications
380		-	thatarefurnishedbyaconsumerpriortomixingbutshallberequiredtolabel
381		-	thefertilizerorsoilamendmentasprovidedinsubsection365(b)ofthistitle.
382		-	(d)(e)TheSecretarymayrequestadditionalproofoftestingofproducts
383		-	priortoregistrationforguaranteedanalysesoradulterants.
384		-	(e)(f)Eachseparatelyidentifiedagriculturallimeproductshallbe
385		-	registeredbeforebeingdistributedinthisState.Registrationshallbe
386		-	performedinthesamemannerasfertilizerregistrationexceptthateach
387		-	applicationshallbeaccompaniedbyafeeof$50.00perproduct.
388		-	(f)(g)Theregistrationandtonnagefees,alongwithanydeficiency
389		-	penaltiescollectedpursuanttosections331and372ofthistitle,shallbe
390		-	depositedinaspecialfund.Fundsdepositedinthisfundshallberestrictedto
391		-	implementingandadministeringtheprovisionsofthistitleandanyother
392		-	provisionsoflawrelatingtofeedsandseeds.
393		-	1
394		-	2
395		-	3
396		-	4
397		-	5
398		-	6
399		-	7
400		-	8
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402		-	10
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	222	+
	223	+
	224	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	225	+	Substances” analysis, statement of composition, or anything that implies a 1
	226	+	different product, must obtain a new registration with a brand that 2
	227	+	distinguishes it from the previous formulation. 3
	228	+	(d) A distributor shall not be required to register each grade of fertilizer 4
	229	+	formulated or each formulation of soil amendment according to specifications 5
	230	+	that are furnished by a consumer prior to mixing but shall be required to label 6
	231	+	the fertilizer or soil amendment as provided in subsection 365(b) of this title. 7
	232	+	(d)(e) The Secretary may request additional proof of testing of products 8
	233	+	prior to registration for guaranteed analyses or adulterants. 9
	234	+	(e)(f) Each separately identified agricultural lime product shall be 10
	235	+	registered before being distributed in this State. Registration shall be 11
	236	+	performed in the same manner as fertilizer registration except that each 12
	237	+	application shall be accompanied by a fee of $50.00 per product. 13
	238	+	(f)(g) The registration and tonnage fees, along with any deficiency 14
	239	+	penalties collected pursuant to sections 331 and 372 of this title, shall be 15
	240	+	deposited in a special fund. Funds deposited in this fund shall be restricted to 16
	241	+	implementing and administering the provisions of this title and any other 17
	242	+	provisions of law relating to feeds and seeds. 18 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
414	243		2025 Page 11 of 25
415		-	§365.LABELS
416		-	(a)(1)AnyfertilizeroragriculturallimedistributedinthisStatein
417		-	containersshallhaveplacedonoraffixedtothecontaineralabelsettingforth
418		-	inclearlylegibleandconspicuousformthefollowinginformation:
419		-	(A)netweight;
420		-	(B)brandandgrade,providedthatgradeshallnotberequiredwhen
421		-	noprimarynutrientsareclaimed;
422		-	(C)guaranteedanalysis;and
423		-	(D)nameandaddressoftheregistrant.
424		-	(2)Forbulkshipments,thisinformationinwrittenorprintedformshall
425		-	accompanydeliveryandbesuppliedtothepurchaseratthetimeofdelivery.
426		-	(b)Afertilizerorlimeformulatedaccordingtospecificationsfurnishedby
427		-	aconsumerpriortomixingshallbelabeledtoshowthenetweight,the
428		-	guaranteedanalysisorname,analysisandweightofeachingredientusedin
429		-	themixture,andthenameandaddressofthedistributorandpurchaser.
430		-	(c)IftheSecretaryfindsthatarequirementforexpressingcalciumand
431		-	magnesiuminelementalformwouldnotimposeaneconomichardshipon
432		-	distributorsandusersofagriculturallimingmaterialsbyreasonofconflicting
433		-	labelrequirementsamongstates,theSecretarymayrequirebyrulethatthe
434		-	minimumpercentofcalciumoxideandmagnesiumoxideorcalciumcarbonate
435		-	andmagnesiumcarbonate,orboth,shallbeexpressedinthefollowingterms:
436		-	1
437		-	2
438		-	3
439		-	4
440		-	5
441		-	6
442		-	7
443		-	8
444		-	9
445		-	10
446		-	11
447		-	12
448		-	13
449		-	14
450		-	15
451		-	16
452		-	17
453		-	18
454		-	19
455		-	20
456		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	244	+
	245	+
	246	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	247	+	§ 365. LABELS 1
	248	+	(a)(1) Any fertilizer or agricultural lime distributed in this State in 2
	249	+	containers shall have placed on or affixed to the container a label setting forth 3
	250	+	in clearly legible and conspicuous form the following information: 4
	251	+	(A) net weight; 5
	252	+	(B) brand and grade, provided that grade shall not be required when 6
	253	+	no primary nutrients are claimed; 7
	254	+	(C) guaranteed analysis; and 8
	255	+	(D) name and address of the registrant. 9
	256	+	(2) For bulk shipments, this information in written or printed form shall 10
	257	+	accompany delivery and be supplied to the purchaser at the time of delivery. 11
	258	+	(b) A fertilizer or lime formulated according to specifications furnished by 12
	259	+	a consumer prior to mixing shall be labeled to show the net weight, the 13
	260	+	guaranteed analysis or name, analysis and weight of each ingredient used in the 14
	261	+	mixture, and the name and address of the distributor and purchaser. 15
	262	+	(c) If the Secretary finds that a requirement for expressing calcium and 16
	263	+	magnesium in elemental form would not impose an economic hardship on 17
	264	+	distributors and users of agricultural liming materials by reason of conflicting 18
	265	+	label requirements among states, the Secretary may require by rule that the 19
	266	+	minimum percent of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate 20
	267	+	and magnesium carbonate, or both, shall be expressed in the following terms: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
457	268		2025 Page 12 of 25
458		-	TotalCalcium(Ca).........................................percent
459		-	TotalMagnesium(Mg).........................................percent
460		-	(d)(1)Anyplantamendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendment
461		-	beneficialsubstancedistributedinthisStateincontainersshallhaveplacedon
462		-	oraffixedtothecontaineralabelsettingforthinclearlylegibleand
463		-	conspicuousformthefollowinginformation:
464		-	(A)netweightorvolume;
465		-	(B)brandname;
466		-	(C)purposestatementidentifyingthepurposeoftheproduct;
467		-	(D)directionsforapplicationoruse;
468		-	(E)guaranteedanalysis;and
469		-	(F)nameandaddressoftheregistrant;and
470		-	(F)astatementofcompositionshowingtheamountofeach
471		-	ingredient,whichistheagentinaproductprimarilyresponsibleforthe
472		-	intendedeffectsusingthefollowingformat:
473		-	CONTAINSBENEFICIALSUBSTANCE(S)
474		-	Nameofbeneficialsubstance %(oracceptable
475		-	units)
476		-	Genusandspeciesofmicroorganism %viableCFU/cm3,/ml,
477		-	/g,orotheracceptableunits
478		-	1
479		-	2
480		-	3
481		-	4
482		-	5
483		-	6
484		-	7
485		-	8
486		-	9
487		-	10
488		-	11
489		-	12
490		-	13
491		-	14
492		-	15
493		-	16
494		-	17
495		-	18
496		-	19
497		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	269	+
	270	+
	271	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	272	+	Total Calcium (Ca) ......................................... percent 1
	273	+	Total Magnesium (Mg) ......................................... percent 2
	274	+	(d)(1) Any plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment 3
	275	+	beneficial substance distributed in this State in containers shall have placed on 4
	276	+	or affixed to the container a label setting forth in clearly legible and 5
	277	+	conspicuous form the following information: 6
	278	+	(A) net weight or volume; 7
	279	+	(B) brand name; 8
	280	+	(C) purpose statement identifying the purpose of the product; 9
	281	+	(D) directions for application or use; 10
	282	+	(E) guaranteed analysis; and 11
	283	+	(F) name and address of the registrant; and 12
	284	+	(F) a statement of composition showing the amount of each 13
	285	+	ingredient, which is the agent in a product primarily responsible for the 14
	286	+	intended effects using the following format: 15
	287	+	CONTAINS BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCE(S) 16
	288	+	Name of beneficial substance % (or acceptable 17
	289	+	units) 18
	290	+	Genus and species of microorganism % viable CFU/cm3, /ml, 19
	291	+	/g, or other acceptable units 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
498	292		2025 Page 13 of 25
499		-	(Identifyandlistallbeneficialsubstances.Substancesshallinclude
500		-	ingredientsource,ifapplicable.Ex.“humicacidfromleonarditeorsaponin
501		-	fromYuccaschidigera”).
502		-	(2)Forproductsthatclaimmicroorganisms,labelsshallalsoinclude:
503		-	(A)theexpirationdateforuse;and
504		-	(B)storageconditions.
505		-	(2)(3)Forbulkshipmentsoffertilizer,plantamendment,plant
506		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstances,orlime,theinformation
507		-	requiredunderthissubsectionshallaccompanydeliveryinwrittenorprinted
508		-	formandshallbesuppliedtothepurchaseratthetimeofdelivery.
509		-	(4)Efficacydatamayberequiredtosupportbeneficialsubstance
510		-	ingredientclaimsiftheingredientisnotpresentlydefinedbytheAssociation
511		-	ofAmericanPlantFoodControlOfficials’OfficialPublicationforthe
512		-	particularclaim.
513		-	(3)(5)Underaruleadoptedunderthissubsection,anaffectedperson
514		-	shallbegivenareasonabletimetocomeintocompliance.
515		-	§366.TONNAGEFEES
516		-	(a)ApersondistributingfertilizertoanonregistrantconsumerintheState
517		-	annuallyshallpaythefollowingfeestotheSecretary:
518		-	(1)a$150.00minimumtonnagefee;
519		-	(2)$0.50pertonofagriculturalfertilizerdistributed;and
520		-	1
521		-	2
522		-	3
523		-	4
524		-	5
525		-	6
526		-	7
527		-	8
528		-	9
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530		-	11
531		-	12
532		-	13
533		-	14
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535		-	16
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537		-	18
538		-	19
539		-	20
540		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	293	+
	294	+
	295	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	296	+	(Identify and list all beneficial substances. Substances shall include 1
	297	+	ingredient source, if applicable. Ex. “humic acid from leonardite or saponin 2
	298	+	from Yucca schidigera”). 3
	299	+	(2) For products that claim microorganisms, labels shall also include: 4
	300	+	(A) the expiration date for use; and 5
	301	+	(B) storage conditions. 6
	302	+	(2)(3) For bulk shipments of fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 7
	303	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substances, or lime, the information 8
	304	+	required under this subsection shall accompany delivery in written or printed 9
	305	+	form and shall be supplied to the purchaser at the time of delivery. 10
	306	+	(4) Efficacy data may be required to support beneficial substance 11
	307	+	ingredient claims if the ingredient is not presently defined by the Association 12
	308	+	of American Plant Food Control Officials’ Official Publication for the 13
	309	+	particular claim. 14
	310	+	(3)(5) Under a rule adopted under this subsection, an affected person 15
	311	+	shall be given a reasonable time to come into compliance. 16
	312	+	§ 366. TONNAGE FEES 17
	313	+	(a) A person distributing fertilizer to a nonregistrant consumer in the State 18
	314	+	annually shall pay the following fees to the Secretary: 19
	315	+	(1) a $150.00 minimum tonnage fee; 20
	316	+	(2) $0.50 per ton of agricultural fertilizer distributed; and 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
541	317		2025 Page 14 of 25
542		-	(3)$30.00pertonofnonagriculturalfertilizerdistributed.
543		-	(b)PersonsdistributingfertilizershallreportannuallyonorbeforeJanuary
544		-	15forthepreviousyearendingDecember31totheSecretaryrevealingthe
545		-	amountsofeachgradeoffertilizerandtheforminwhichthefertilizerwas
546		-	distributedwithinthisState.Eachreportshallbeaccompaniedwithpayment
547		-	andwrittenpermissionallowingtheSecretarytoexaminetheperson’sbooks
548		-	forthepurposeofverifyingtonnagereports.
549		-	(c)NoinformationconcerningtonnagesalesfurnishedtotheSecretary
550		-	underthissectionshallbedisclosedinsuchawayastodivulgethedetailsof
551		-	thebusinessoperationtoanypersonunlessitisnecessaryfortheenforcement
552		-	oftheprovisionsofthischapter.
553		-	(d)Personsdistributingaplantamendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoil
554		-	amendmentbeneficialsubstanceintheStateshallreportannuallyonorbefore
555		-	January15forthepreviousyearendingDecember31totheSecretary
556		-	revealingtheamountsofeachformulationofplantamendment,plant
557		-	biostimulant,orsoilamendmentbeneficialsubstanceandtheforminwhich
558		-	theplantamendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendmentbeneficial
559		-	substancewasdistributedwithinthisState.Eachreportshallincludeawritten
560		-	authorizationallowingtheSecretarytoexaminetheperson’sbooksforthe
561		-	purposeofverifyingtonnagereports.Plantamendments,plantbiostimulants,
562		-	andsoilamendmentsareAbeneficialsubstanceisexemptfromtonnagefees.
563		-	1
564		-	2
565		-	3
566		-	4
567		-	5
568		-	6
569		-	7
570		-	8
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583		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	318	+
	319	+
	320	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	321	+	(3) $30.00 per ton of nonagricultural fertilizer distributed. 1
	322	+	(b) Persons distributing fertilizer shall report annually on or before January 2
	323	+	15 for the previous year ending December 31 to the Secretary revealing the 3
	324	+	amounts of each grade of fertilizer and the form in which the fertilizer was 4
	325	+	distributed within this State. Each report shall be accompanied with payment 5
	326	+	and written permission allowing the Secretary to examine the person’s books 6
	327	+	for the purpose of verifying tonnage reports. 7
	328	+	(c) No information concerning tonnage sales furnished to the Secretary 8
	329	+	under this section shall be disclosed in such a way as to divulge the details of 9
	330	+	the business operation to any person unless it is necessary for the enforcement 10
	331	+	of the provisions of this chapter. 11
	332	+	(d) Persons distributing a plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil 12
	333	+	amendment beneficial substance in the State shall report annually on or before 13
	334	+	January 15 for the previous year ending December 31 to the Secretary 14
	335	+	revealing the amounts of each formulation of plant amendment, plant 15
	336	+	biostimulant, or soil amendment beneficial substance and the form in which 16
	337	+	the plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment beneficial 17
	338	+	substance was distributed within this State. Each report shall include a written 18
	339	+	authorization allowing the Secretary to examine the person’s books for the 19
	340	+	purpose of verifying tonnage reports. Plant amendments, plant biostimulants, 20
	341	+	and soil amendments are A beneficial substance is exempt from tonnage fees. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
584	342		2025 Page 15 of 25
585		-	(e)Agriculturallimes,includingagriculturallimemixedwithwoodash,
586		-	areexemptfromthetonnagefeesrequiredinthissection.
587		-	(f)Limeandwoodashmixturesmayberegisteredasagriculturalliming
588		-	materialsandguaranteedforpotassiumorpotash,providedthatthewoodash
589		-	totalslessthan50percentofthemixture.
590		-	(g)(1)Allfeescollectedundersubdivisions(a)(1)and(2)ofthissection
591		-	shallbedepositedinthespecialfundcreatedbysubsection364(f)ofthistitle
592		-	andusedinaccordancewithitsprovisions.
593		-	(2)Allfeescollectedundersubdivision(a)(3)ofthissectionshallbe
594		-	depositedintheAgriculturalWaterQualitySpecialFundcreatedundersection
595		-	4803ofthistitle.
596		-	(h)[Repealed.]
597		-	§367.INSPECTION;SAMPLING;ANALYSIS
598		-	Forthepurposeofenforcingthischapteranddeterminingwhetherornot
599		-	fertilizers,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentsbeneficial
600		-	substances,andlimedistributedinthisStateendangerthehealthandsafetyof
601		-	Vermontcitizens,theSecretaryuponpresentingappropriatecredentialsis
602		-	authorized:
603		-	(1)Toenteranypublicorprivatepremisesexceptdomicilesduring
604		-	regularbusinesshoursandstopandenteranyvehiclebeingusedtotransport
605		-	1
606		-	2
607		-	3
608		-	4
609		-	5
610		-	6
611		-	7
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619		-	15
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621		-	17
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623		-	19
624		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	343	+
	344	+
	345	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	346	+	(e) Agricultural limes, including agricultural lime mixed with wood ash, 1
	347	+	are exempt from the tonnage fees required in this section. 2
	348	+	(f) Lime and wood ash mixtures may be registered as agricultural liming 3
	349	+	materials and guaranteed for potassium or potash, provided that the wood ash 4
	350	+	totals less than 50 percent of the mixture. 5
	351	+	(g)(1) All fees collected under subdivisions (a)(1) and (2) of this section 6
	352	+	shall be deposited in the special fund created by subsection 364(f) of this title 7
	353	+	and used in accordance with its provisions. 8
	354	+	(2) All fees collected under subdivision (a)(3) of this section shall be 9
	355	+	deposited in the Agricultural Water Quality Special Fund created under section 10
	356	+	4803 of this title. 11
	357	+	(h) [Repealed.] 12
	358	+	§ 367. INSPECTION; SAMPLING; ANALYSIS 13
	359	+	For the purpose of enforcing this chapter and determining whether or not 14
	360	+	fertilizers, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendments beneficial 15
	361	+	substances, and lime distributed in this State endanger the health and safety of 16
	362	+	Vermont citizens, the Secretary upon presenting appropriate credentials is 17
	363	+	authorized: 18
	364	+	(1) To enter any public or private premises except domiciles during 19
	365	+	regular business hours and stop and enter any vehicle being used to transport or 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
625	366		2025 Page 16 of 25
626		-	orholdfertilizer,aplantamendment,aplantbiostimulant,asoilamendment
627		-	beneficialsubstances,orlime.
628		-	(2)Toinspectblendingplants,warehouses,establishments,vehicles,
629		-	equipment,finishedorunfinishedmaterials,containers,labeling,andrecords
630		-	relatingtodistribution,storage,oruse.
631		-	(3)Tosampleandanalyzeanyfertilizer,plantamendment,plant
632		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime.Themethodsof
633		-	samplingandanalysisshallbethoseadoptedbytheAssociationofOfficial
634		-	AnalyticalChemists.Incasesnotcoveredbythismethodorincaseswhere
635		-	methodsareavailableinwhichimprovedapplicabilityhasbeendemonstrated,
636		-	theSecretarymayauthorizeandadoptmethodsthatreflectsoundanalytical
637		-	procedures.
638		-	(4)Todevelopanyreasonablemeansnecessarytomonitorandadopt
639		-	rulesfortheuseoffertilizers,plantamendments,plantbiostimulants,soil
640		-	amendmentsbeneficialsubstances,andlimeonVermontsoilswhere
641		-	monitoringindicatesenvironmentalorhealthproblems.Inaddition,the
642		-	Secretarymaydevelopandadoptrulesfortheproperstorageoffertilizers,
643		-	plantamendments,plantbiostimulants,soilamendmentsbeneficialsubstances,
644		-	andlimeheldfordistributionorsale.
645		-	1
646		-	2
647		-	3
648		-	4
649		-	5
650		-	6
651		-	7
652		-	8
653		-	9
654		-	10
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656		-	12
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658		-	14
659		-	15
660		-	16
661		-	17
662		-	18
663		-	19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	367	+
	368	+
	369	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	370	+	hold fertilizer, a plant amendment, a plant biostimulant, a soil amendment 1
	371	+	beneficial substances, or lime. 2
	372	+	(2) To inspect blending plants, warehouses, establishments, vehicles, 3
	373	+	equipment, finished or unfinished materials, containers, labeling, and records 4
	374	+	relating to distribution, storage, or use. 5
	375	+	(3) To sample and analyze any fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 6
	376	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime. The methods of 7
	377	+	sampling and analysis shall be those adopted by the Association of Official 8
	378	+	Analytical Chemists. In cases not covered by this method or in cases where 9
	379	+	methods are available in which improved applicability has been demonstrated, 10
	380	+	the Secretary may authorize and adopt methods that reflect sound analytical 11
	381	+	procedures. 12
	382	+	(4) To develop any reasonable means necessary to monitor and adopt 13
	383	+	rules for the use of fertilizers, plant amendments, plant biostimulants, soil 14
	384	+	amendments beneficial substances, and lime on Vermont soils where 15
	385	+	monitoring indicates environmental or health problems. In addition, the 16
	386	+	Secretary may develop and adopt rules for the proper storage of fertilizers, 17
	387	+	plant amendments, plant biostimulants, soil amendments beneficial substances, 18
	388	+	and lime held for distribution or sale. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
664	389		2025 Page 17 of 25
665		-	§368.MISBRANDING
666		-	(a)Nopersonshalldistributeamisbrandedfertilizer,plantamendment,
667		-	plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,oragriculturallime.
668		-	Afertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendment
669		-	beneficialsubstanceshallbedeemedtobemisbrandediftheSecretary
670		-	determinesoneormoreofthefollowing:
671		-	(1)Thelabelingisfalseormisleadinginanyparticular.
672		-	(2)Itisdistributedunderthenameofanotherfertilizerproduct,plant
673		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendmentbeneficialsubstance.
674		-	(3)Itcontainsunsubstantiatedclaims.
675		-	(4)Itisnotlabeledasrequiredinsection365ofthistitleandin
676		-	accordancewithrulesadoptedunderthischapter.
677		-	(5)Itislabeled,orrepresented,tocontainaplantnutrientthatdoesnot
678		-	conformtothestandardofidentityestablishedbyrule.Inadoptingrules
679		-	underthischapter,theSecretaryshallgiveconsiderationtoconsider
680		-	definitionsrecommendedbytheAssociationofAmericanPlantFoodControl
681		-	Officials.
682		-	(b)Anagriculturallimeshallbedeemedtobemisbrandedif:
683		-	(1)itslabelingisfalseormisleadinginanyparticular;or
684		-	(2)itisnotlabeledasrequiredbysection365ofthistitleandin
685		-	accordancewithrulesadoptedunderthischapter.
686		-	1
687		-	2
688		-	3
689		-	4
690		-	5
691		-	6
692		-	7
693		-	8
694		-	9
695		-	10
696		-	11
697		-	12
698		-	13
699		-	14
700		-	15
701		-	16
702		-	17
703		-	18
704		-	19
705		-	20
706		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	390	+
	391	+
	392	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	393	+	§ 368. MISBRANDING 1
	394	+	(a) No person shall distribute a misbranded fertilizer, plant amendment, 2
	395	+	plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or agricultural lime. 3
	396	+	A fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment beneficial 4
	397	+	substance shall be deemed to be misbranded if the Secretary determines one or 5
	398	+	more of the following: 6
	399	+	(1) The labeling is false or misleading in any particular. 7
	400	+	(2) It is distributed under the name of another fertilizer product, plant 8
	401	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment beneficial substance. 9
	402	+	(3) It contains unsubstantiated claims. 10
	403	+	(4) It is not labeled as required in section 365 of this title and in 11
	404	+	accordance with rules adopted under this chapter. 12
	405	+	(5) It is labeled, or represented, to contain a plant nutrient that does not 13
	406	+	conform to the standard of identity established by rule. In adopting rules under 14
	407	+	this chapter, the Secretary shall give consideration to consider definitions 15
	408	+	recommended by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials. 16
	409	+	(b) An agricultural lime shall be deemed to be misbranded if: 17
	410	+	(1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular; or 18
	411	+	(2) it is not labeled as required by section 365 of this title and in 19
	412	+	accordance with rules adopted under this chapter. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
707	413		2025 Page 18 of 25
708		-	§369.ADULTERATION
709		-	Nopersonshalldistributeanadulteratedlime,plantamendment,plant
710		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orfertilizerproduct.A
711		-	fertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficial
712		-	substance,orlimeshallbedeemedtobeadulteratedif:
713		-	(1)itcontainsanydeleteriousorharmfulingredientinanamount
714		-	sufficienttorenderitinjurioustobeneficialplantlife,animals,humans,
715		-	aquaticlife,soil,orwaterwhenappliedinaccordancewithdirectionsforuse
716		-	onthelabel,orifusesoftheproductmayresultincontaminationor
717		-	condemnationofarawagriculturalcommoditybyuse,orifadequatewarning
718		-	statementsordirectionsforusethatmaybenecessarytoprotectplantlife,
719		-	animals,humans,aquaticlife,soil,orwaterarenotshownonthelabel;
720		-	(2)itscompositionfallsbelowordiffersfromthatwhichitispurported
721		-	topossessbyitslabeling;
722		-	(3)itcontainscropseedorweedseed;or
723		-	(4)itcontainsheavymetals,radioactivesubstances,orsynthetic
724		-	organicsinamountssufficienttorenderitinjurioustolivestockorhuman
725		-	healthwhenappliedinaccordancewithdirectionsforuseonthelabel,orif
726		-	adequatewarningstatementsordirectionsforusethatmaybenecessaryto
727		-	protectlivestockorhumanhealtharenotshownonthelabel.
728		-	1
729		-	2
730		-	3
731		-	4
732		-	5
733		-	6
734		-	7
735		-	8
736		-	9
737		-	10
738		-	11
739		-	12
740		-	13
741		-	14
742		-	15
743		-	16
744		-	17
745		-	18
746		-	19
747		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	414	+
	415	+
	416	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	417	+	§ 369. ADULTERATION 1
	418	+	No person shall distribute an adulterated lime, plant amendment, plant 2
	419	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or fertilizer product. A 3
	420	+	fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial 4
	421	+	substance, or lime shall be deemed to be adulterated if: 5
	422	+	(1) it contains any deleterious or harmful ingredient in an amount 6
	423	+	sufficient to render it injurious to beneficial plant life, animals, humans, 7
	424	+	aquatic life, soil, or water when applied in accordance with directions for use 8
	425	+	on the label, or if uses of the product may result in contamination or 9
	426	+	condemnation of a raw agricultural commodity by use, or if adequate warning 10
	427	+	statements or directions for use that may be necessary to protect plant life, 11
	428	+	animals, humans, aquatic life, soil, or water are not shown on the label; 12
	429	+	(2) its composition falls below or differs from that which it is purported 13
	430	+	to possess by its labeling; 14
	431	+	(3) it contains crop seed or weed seed; or 15
	432	+	(4) it contains heavy metals, radioactive substances, or synthetic 16
	433	+	organics in amounts sufficient to render it injurious to livestock or human 17
	434	+	health when applied in accordance with directions for use on the label, or if 18
	435	+	adequate warning statements or directions for use that may be necessary to 19
	436	+	protect livestock or human health are not shown on the label. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
748	437		2025 Page 19 of 25
749		-	§370.PUBLICATION;CONSUMERINFORMATIONREGARDINGUSE
750		-	ONNONAGRICULTURAL TURFOFFERTILIZER,PLANT
751		-	AMENDMENTS, PLANTBIOSTIMULANTS,ANDSOIL
752		-	AMENDMENTS BENEFICIALSUBSTANCES
753		-	(a)TheSecretaryshallpublishonanannualbasis:
754		-	(1)informationconcerningthedistributionoffertilizers,plant
755		-	amendments,plantbiostimulants,soilamendmentsbeneficialsubstances,and
756		-	limes;and
757		-	(2)resultsofanalysesbasedonofficialsamplesoffertilizers,plant
758		-	amendments,plantbiostimulants,soilamendmentsbeneficialsubstances,and
759		-	limedistributedwithintheStateascomparedwithguaranteedanalyses
760		-	requiredpursuanttothetermsofthischapter.
761		-	(b)(1)TheSecretary,inconsultationwiththeUniversityofVermont
762		-	Extension,fertilizerindustryrepresentatives,lakegroups,andotherinterested
763		-	oraffectedparties,shallproduceinformationfordistributiontothegeneral
764		-	publicwithrespecttothefollowing:
765		-	(A)problemsfacedbythewatersoftheStatebecauseofdischarges
766		-	ofphosphorus;
767		-	(B)anexplanationoftheextenttowhichphosphorusexistsnaturally
768		-	inthesoil;
769		-	1
770		-	2
771		-	3
772		-	4
773		-	5
774		-	6
775		-	7
776		-	8
777		-	9
778		-	10
779		-	11
780		-	12
781		-	13
782		-	14
783		-	15
784		-	16
785		-	17
786		-	18
787		-	19
788		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	438	+
	439	+
	440	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	441	+	§ 370. PUBLICATION; CONSUMER INFORMATION REGARDING USE 1
	442	+	ON NONAGRICULTURAL TU RF OF FERTILIZER, PLANT 2
	443	+	AMENDMENTS, PLANT BIOSTIMULANTS, AND SOIL 3
	444	+	AMENDMENTS BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCES 4
	445	+	(a) The Secretary shall publish on an annual basis: 5
	446	+	(1) information concerning the distribution of fertilizers, plant 6
	447	+	amendments, plant biostimulants, soil amendments beneficial substances, and 7
	448	+	limes; and 8
	449	+	(2) results of analyses based on official samples of fertilizers, plant 9
	450	+	amendments, plant biostimulants, soil amendments beneficial substances, and 10
	451	+	lime distributed within the State as compared with guaranteed analyses 11
	452	+	required pursuant to the terms of this chapter. 12
	453	+	(b)(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the University of Vermont 13
	454	+	Extension, fertilizer industry representatives, lake groups, and other interested 14
	455	+	or affected parties, shall produce information for distribution to the general 15
	456	+	public with respect to the following: 16
	457	+	(A) problems faced by the waters of the State because of discharges 17
	458	+	of phosphorus; 18
	459	+	(B) an explanation of the extent to which phosphorus exists naturally 19
	460	+	in the soil; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
789	461		2025 Page 20 of 25
790		-	(C)voluntarybestmanagementpracticesfortheuseoffertilizers
791		-	containingphosphorusonnonagriculturalturf;and
792		-	(D)bestmanagementpracticesforresidentialsourcesofphosphorus.
793		-	(2)TheSecretaryshalldeveloptheinformationrequiredunderthis
794		-	subsectionandmakeitavailabletothegeneralpublicinthemannerdeemed
795		-	mosteffective,whichmayinclude:
796		-	(A)conspicuouspostingatthepointofretailsaleoffertilizer
797		-	containingphosphorus,accordingtorecommendationsforhowthat
798		-	conspicuouspostingmaybesttakeplace;
799		-	(B)publicserviceannouncementsbymeansofelectronicmedia;or
800		-	(C)othermethodsdeemedbytheSecretarytobelikelytobe
801		-	effective.
802		-	***
803		-	§371.RULES
804		-	TheSecretaryisauthorizedtoadoptrulespursuantto3V.S.A.chapter25
805		-	asmaybenecessarytoimplementtheintentofthischapterandtoenforce
806		-	thoserules.
807		-	***
808		-	§374.SHORTWEIGHT
809		-	(a)Ifanyfertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendment
810		-	beneficialsubstance,oragriculturallimingmaterialisfoundtobeshortinnet
811		-	1
812		-	2
813		-	3
814		-	4
815		-	5
816		-	6
817		-	7
818		-	8
819		-	9
820		-	10
821		-	11
822		-	12
823		-	13
824		-	14
825		-	15
826		-	16
827		-	17
828		-	18
829		-	19
830		-	20
831		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	462	+
	463	+
	464	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	465	+	(C) voluntary best management practices for the use of fertilizers 1
	466	+	containing phosphorus on nonagricultural turf; and 2
	467	+	(D) best management practices for residential sources of phosphorus. 3
	468	+	(2) The Secretary shall develop the information required under this 4
	469	+	subsection and make it available to the general public in the manner deemed 5
	470	+	most effective, which may include: 6
	471	+	(A) conspicuous posting at the point of retail sale of fertilizer 7
	472	+	containing phosphorus, according to recommendations for how that 8
	473	+	conspicuous posting may best take place; 9
	474	+	(B) public service announcements by means of electronic media; or 10
	475	+	(C) other methods deemed by the Secretary to be likely to be 11
	476	+	effective. 12
	477	+	* * * 13
	478	+	§ 371. RULES 14
	479	+	The Secretary is authorized to adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 15
	480	+	as may be necessary to implement the intent of this chapter and to enforce 16
	481	+	those rules. 17
	482	+	* * * 18
	483	+	§ 374. SHORT WEIGHT 19
	484	+	(a) If any fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment 20
	485	+	beneficial substance, or agricultural liming material is found to be short in net 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
832	486		2025 Page 21 of 25
833		-	weight,theregistrantofthefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,
834		-	soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimeshallpayapenaltyofthreetimes
835		-	thevalueoftheactualshortagetotheaffectedparty.
836		-	(b)Eachregistrantshallbeofferedanopportunityforahearingbeforethe
837		-	Secretary.Penaltypaymentsshallbemadewithin30daysafternoticeofthe
838		-	Secretary’sdecisiontoassessapenalty.Proofofpaymenttotheconsumer
839		-	shallbepromptlyforwardedtotheSecretarybytheregistrant.
840		-	(c)Iftheconsumercannotbefound,theamountofthepenaltypayments
841		-	shallbepaidtotheSecretarywhoshalldepositthepaymentintotherevolving
842		-	accountestablishedbysubsection364(f)ofthistitle.
843		-	(d)Thissectionisnotanexclusivecauseofaction,andpersonsaffected
844		-	mayutilizeanyotherrightofactionavailableunderlaw.
845		-	§375.CANCELLATIONOFREGISTRATION
846		-	TheSecretaryisauthorizedtocancelorsuspendtheregistrationofany
847		-	fertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficial
848		-	substance,orlimeorrefusearegistrationapplicationiftheprovisionsofthis
849		-	chapterortherulesadoptedunderthischapterhavebeenviolated,provided
850		-	thatnoregistrationshallberevokedorrefusedwithoutahearingbeforethe
851		-	Secretary.
852		-	1
853		-	2
854		-	3
855		-	4
856		-	5
857		-	6
858		-	7
859		-	8
860		-	9
861		-	10
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863		-	12
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865		-	14
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867		-	16
868		-	17
869		-	18
870		-	19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	487	+
	488	+
	489	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	490	+	weight, the registrant of the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, 1
	491	+	soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime shall pay a penalty of three times 2
	492	+	the value of the actual shortage to the affected party. 3
	493	+	(b) Each registrant shall be offered an opportunity for a hearing before the 4
	494	+	Secretary. Penalty payments shall be made within 30 days after notice of the 5
	495	+	Secretary’s decision to assess a penalty. Proof of payment to the consumer 6
	496	+	shall be promptly forwarded to the Secretary by the registrant. 7
	497	+	(c) If the consumer cannot be found, the amount of the penalty payments 8
	498	+	shall be paid to the Secretary who shall deposit the payment into the revolving 9
	499	+	account established by subsection 364(f) of this title. 10
	500	+	(d) This section is not an exclusive cause of action, and persons affected 11
	501	+	may utilize any other right of action available under law. 12
	502	+	§ 375. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION 13
	503	+	The Secretary is authorized to cancel or suspend the registration of any 14
	504	+	fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial 15
	505	+	substance, or lime or refuse a registration application if the provisions of this 16
	506	+	chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter have been violated, provided 17
	507	+	that no registration shall be revoked or refused without a hearing before the 18
	508	+	Secretary. 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
871	509		2025 Page 22 of 25
872		-	§376.DETAINEDFERTILIZER,BENEFICIALSUBSTANCE,ANDLIME
873		-	(a)Withdrawalfromdistributionorders.WhentheSecretaryhas
874		-	reasonablecausetobelieveanylotoffertilizer,plantamendment,plant
875		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimeisbeingdistributed
876		-	inviolationofanyoftheprovisionsofthischapteroranyoftherulesunder
877		-	thischapter,theSecretarymayissueandenforceawrittenorprinted
878		-	“withdrawalfromdistribution”order,warningthedistributornottodisposeof
879		-	thelotoffertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendment
880		-	beneficialsubstance,orlimeinanymanneruntilwrittenpermissionisgiven
881		-	bytheSecretaryorthecourt.TheSecretaryshallreleasethelotoffertilizer,
882		-	plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,or
883		-	limewithdrawnwhenthischapterandruleshavebeencompliedwith.If
884		-	complianceisnotobtainedwithin30days,theSecretarymaybegin,orupon
885		-	requestofthedistributororregistrantshallbegin,proceedingsfor
886		-	condemnation.
887		-	(b)Condemnationandconfiscation.Anylotoffertilizer,plant
888		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime
889		-	notincompliancewiththischapterandrulesshallbesubjecttoseizureon
890		-	complaintoftheSecretarytoacourtofcompetentjurisdictionintheareain
891		-	whichthefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendment
892		-	beneficialsubstance,orlimeislocated.Intheeventthecourtfindsthe
893		-	1
894		-	2
895		-	3
896		-	4
897		-	5
898		-	6
899		-	7
900		-	8
901		-	9
902		-	10
903		-	11
904		-	12
905		-	13
906		-	14
907		-	15
908		-	16
909		-	17
910		-	18
911		-	19
912		-	20
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	510	+
	511	+
	512	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	513	+	§ 376. DETAINED FERTILIZER, BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCE, AND LIME 1
	514	+	(a) Withdrawal from distribution orders. When the Secretary has 2
	515	+	reasonable cause to believe any lot of fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 3
	516	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime is being distributed 4
	517	+	in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any of the rules under 5
	518	+	this chapter, the Secretary may issue and enforce a written or printed 6
	519	+	“withdrawal from distribution” order, warning the distributor not to dispose of 7
	520	+	the lot of fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment 8
	521	+	beneficial substance, or lime in any manner until written permission is given 9
	522	+	by the Secretary or the court. The Secretary shall release the lot of fertilizer, 10
	523	+	plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or 11
	524	+	lime withdrawn when this chapter and rules have been complied with. If 12
	525	+	compliance is not obtained within 30 days, the Secretary may begin, or upon 13
	526	+	request of the distributor or registrant shall begin, proceedings for 14
	527	+	condemnation. 15
	528	+	(b) Condemnation and confiscation. Any lot of fertilizer, plant 16
	529	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime 17
	530	+	not in compliance with this chapter and rules shall be subject to seizure on 18
	531	+	complaint of the Secretary to a court of competent jurisdiction in the area in 19
	532	+	which the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment 20
	533	+	beneficial substance, or lime is located. In the event the court finds the 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
914	534		2025 Page 23 of 25
915		-	fertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficial
916		-	substance,orlimetobeinviolationofthischapterandordersthe
917		-	condemnationofthefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soil
918		-	amendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime,itshallbedisposedofinanymanner
919		-	consistentwiththequalityofthefertilizer,plantamendment,plant
920		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimeandthelawsofthe
921		-	State,providedthatinnoinstanceshalldispositionofthefertilizer,plant
922		-	amendment,plantbiostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlime
923		-	beorderedbythecourtwithoutfirstgivingtheclaimantanopportunityto
924		-	applytothecourtforreleaseofthefertilizer,plantamendment,plant
925		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimeorforpermission
926		-	toprocessorrelabelthefertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soil
927		-	amendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimetobringitintocompliancewiththis
928		-	chapter.
929		-	***
930		-	§379.EXCHANGESBETWEENMANUFACTURERS
931		-	Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtorestrictorimpairsalesor
932		-	exchangesoffertilizers,plantamendments,plantbiostimulants,orsoil
933		-	amendmentsorbeneficialsubstancestoeachotherbyimporters,
934		-	manufacturers,ormanipulatorswhomixfertilizermaterials,plant
935		-	amendments,plantbiostimulants,orsoilamendmentsorbeneficialsubstances
936		-	1
937		-	2
938		-	3
939		-	4
940		-	5
941		-	6
942		-	7
943		-	8
944		-	9
945		-	10
946		-	11
947		-	12
948		-	13
949		-	14
950		-	15
951		-	16
952		-	17
953		-	18
954		-	19
955		-	20
956		-	21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	535	+
	536	+
	537	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	538	+	fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial 1
	539	+	substance, or lime to be in violation of this chapter and orders the 2
	540	+	condemnation of the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil 3
	541	+	amendment beneficial substance, or lime, it shall be disposed of in any manner 4
	542	+	consistent with the quality of the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 5
	543	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime and the laws of the 6
	544	+	State, provided that in no instance shall disposition of the fertilizer, plant 7
	545	+	amendment, plant biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime 8
	546	+	be ordered by the court without first giving the claimant an opportunity to 9
	547	+	apply to the court for release of the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 10
	548	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime or for permission to 11
	549	+	process or relabel the fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil 12
	550	+	amendment beneficial substance, or lime to bring it into compliance with this 13
	551	+	chapter. 14
	552	+	* * * 15
	553	+	§ 379. EXCHANGES BETWEEN MANUFACTURERS 16
	554	+	Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict or impair sales or 17
	555	+	exchanges of fertilizers, plant amendments, plant biostimulants, or soil 18
	556	+	amendments or beneficial substances to each other by importers, 19
	557	+	manufacturers, or manipulators who mix fertilizer materials, plant 20
	558	+	amendments, plant biostimulants, or soil amendments or beneficial substances 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
957	559		2025 Page 24 of 25
958		-	forsaleortopreventthefreeandunrestrictedshipmentsoffertilizer,plant
959		-	amendments,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendmentsorbeneficialsubstances
960		-	tomanufacturersormanipulatorswhohaveregisteredtheirbrandsasrequired
961		-	byprovisionsofthischapter.
962		-	§380.ADMINISTRATIVEPENALTY
963		-	Consistentwithchapter1ofthistitle,theSecretarymayassessan
964		-	administrativepenaltyupondeterminingthatapersonhasviolatedarule
965		-	issuedunderthischapterorhasviolatedthischapterinthefollowingmanner:
966		-	(1)distributedaspecialtyfertilizer,plantamendment,plant
967		-	biostimulant,soilamendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimewithoutfirst
968		-	obtainingtheappropriateproductregistration;
969		-	(2)distributedafertilizer,plantamendment,plantbiostimulant,soil
970		-	amendmentbeneficialsubstance,orlimewithoutappropriateandaccurate
971		-	labeling,includingwhenabeneficialsubstancelabeldoesnotreflectits
972		-	composition;
973		-	(3)distributedanyadulteratedfertilizer,beneficialsubstance,orlime;
974		-	(4)failedtodiscloseonthelabelsourcesofpotentiallydeleterious
975		-	components;
976		-	(3)(5)failedtoreportortoaccuratelyreporttheamountandformof
977		-	eachgradeoffertilizerdistributedinVermontonanannualbasis;
978		-	1
979		-	2
980		-	3
981		-	4
982		-	5
983		-	6
984		-	7
985		-	8
986		-	9
987		-	10
988		-	11
989		-	12
990		-	13
991		-	14
992		-	15
993		-	16
994		-	17
995		-	18
996		-	19
997		-	20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.484
	560	+
	561	+
	562	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	563	+	for sale or to prevent the free and unrestricted shipments of fertilizer, plant 1
	564	+	amendments, plant biostimulant, or soil amendments or beneficial substances 2
	565	+	to manufacturers or manipulators who have registered their brands as required 3
	566	+	by provisions of this chapter. 4
	567	+	§ 380. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY 5
	568	+	Consistent with chapter 1 of this title, the Secretary may assess an 6
	569	+	administrative penalty upon determining that a person has violated a rule 7
	570	+	issued under this chapter or has violated this chapter in the following manner: 8
	571	+	(1) distributed a specialty fertilizer, plant amendment, plant 9
	572	+	biostimulant, soil amendment beneficial substance, or lime without first 10
	573	+	obtaining the appropriate product registration; 11
	574	+	(2) distributed a fertilizer, plant amendment, plant biostimulant, soil 12
	575	+	amendment beneficial substance, or lime without appropriate and accurate 13
	576	+	labeling, including when a beneficial substance label does not reflect its 14
	577	+	composition; 15
	578	+	(3) distributed any adulterated fertilizer, beneficial substance, or lime; 16
	579	+	(4) failed to disclose on the label sources of potentially deleterious 17
	580	+	components; 18
	581	+	(3)(5) failed to report or to accurately report the amount and form of 19
	582	+	each grade of fertilizer distributed in Vermont on an annual basis; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.484
998	583		2025 Page 25 of 25
999		-	(4)(6)failedtoreportortoaccuratelyreporttheamountandformof
1000		-	eachformulationofplantamendment,plantbiostimulant,orsoilamendment
1001		-	beneficialsubstance;
1002		-	(5)(7)failedtopaytheappropriatetonnagefee;or
1003		-	(6)(8)violatedaceaseanddesistorder.
1004		-	***
1005		-	Sec.2.EFFECTIVEDATE
1006		-	ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
1007		-	1
1008		-	2
1009		-	3
1010		-	4
1011		-	5
1012		-	6
1013		-	7
1014		-	8
	584	+
	585	+
	586	+	VT LEG #380838 v.1
	587	+	(4)(6) failed to report or to accurately report the amount and form of 1
	588	+	each formulation of plant amendment, plant biostimulant, or soil amendment 2
	589	+	beneficial substance; 3
	590	+	(5)(7) failed to pay the appropriate tonnage fee; or 4
	591	+	(6)(8) violated a cease and desist order. 5
	592	+	* * * 6
	593	+	Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 7
	594	+	This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025. 8