Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Spur Plant Biostimulant Research and Development
Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Jim Baird (IN-04) reintroduced the Plant Biostimulant Act. This legislation would create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production. Currently, there is no clear or consistent federal framework to govern the use and approval of plant biostimulants, which creates uncertainty for producers and limits the adoption of these innovative tools. The updated legislation would address this gap through federal guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).
Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or soils to enhance natural processes, improve nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to environmental stress, and boost overall plant health and crop yield. These products also show promise for improving sustainability through practices like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.
“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 Rep. 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.”
“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 famers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Rep. Baird. “Biostimulants have the 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.”
“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.”
“Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture. By creating pathways to approve new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants, our nation’s farmers are able to produce more food with less crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Padilla and Representatives Baird and Panetta to help make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier than we found it.”
The Plant Biostimulant Act would:
- Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define plant biostimulants;
- Direct the EPA to revise the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the new definition;
- Require the USDA to study the contributions of plant biostimulants to soil health and sustainability.
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.
“Reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act is a vital step forward, and we applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Jim Baird for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA). “This bipartisan bill is critically important to the future of the biostimulant industry, as it will codify a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarify the path to market for these innovative products. By establishing a clear regulatory framework, the legislation will drive investment in U.S.-led agricultural innovation and enhance American competitiveness in the global biological marketplace. BPIA looks forward to working with Congress to see this bill signed into law."
"The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) strongly supports the reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulants Act, and we thank Reps. Panetta and Baird for their continued bipartisan leadership on this important issue. This crucial legislation will provide a clear regulatory pathway for innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing efficiency and productivity in American agriculture and ensuring food security for our nation. By promoting plant biostimulants, we can improve soil health, water quality, and crop resilience, while also reducing farmers’ reliance on costly pesticides and fertilizers. BIO is committed to advancing cutting-edge bio-based solutions for our farmers and plant producers, securing a productive yet sustainable future for our agricultural community and our planet,” said Sylvia Wulf, Interim Head of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Ag & Environment Center of Excellence
“The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks Reps. Panetta and Baird 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.
“CropLife America (CLA) appreciates Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act. By establishing a federal definition for plant biostimulants and clarifying their pathway to market, this legislation will facilitate farmers’ access to these innovative products and drive further research and development. CLA looks forward to working with Congress on this important legislation,” said Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CLA.
“I'd like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the "Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Megan Provost, President of RISE (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.”
“The Humic Products Trade Association sincerely thanks Representatives Panetta and Baird for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Russell Taylor, President, Humic Products Trade Association. “This legislation updates FIFRA to match today’s reality: farmers need crop inputs that help build soil resilience, optimize nutrient use, and safeguard water. By defining plant biostimulants outside the pesticide framework, Congress will give states—and innovators—the regulatory clarity needed to foster this growing product category. HPTA supports this bill because it equips growers with modern, science-backed tools, which ultimately help deliver safe, sustainable food to consumers.”
“I'd like to thank Congressmen Panetta and Baird 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 greenspaces that benefit everyone. This legislation will help ensure golf's access to this valuable product."
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