1. FERTILIZING MATERIALS INSPETION PROGRAM Organic Fertilizer Association of California July 23, 2009 Amadou Ba (Ph.D) Research Manager

2. INTRODUCTION  License companies to sell and distribute fertilizing materials  Review and register product labels for fertilizing materials Ensures fertilizing materials are safe and effective Comply with Fertilizing Materials Laws and Regulations Inspectors enforce state laws and regulations  Consider environmental issues AGRICULTURAL MINERALS (5% less NPK, golf courses, 2nd nutrients, or micronutrients) AUX SOIL AND PLANT SUBSTANCES (humic, wetting agent, soil corrective purposes) COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS (NPK for Ag use) SOIL AMENDMENTS (promotes soil correction through physical means, gypsum) SPECIALTY FERTILIZERS (NPK for Home and Garden use)

3. FMIP does not enforce standards set forth by the NOP due to a lack of regulatory authority Other important notes……….  Commercial labels not registered with FMIP  Bulk product labels not reviewed* by FMIP  Organic fertilizers must go through 3 rd party review prior to review with FMIP  Have authority to sample organic fertilizers * Field inspectors are trained to verify that label complies INTRODUCTION

4. REGISTRATION REGISTERED = 5358 LABELS Data as of July 21, 2009 1451 2493 863 551 27% 10% 16% 47%

5. CDFA - Cashier’s Office Office Technician - Logs in entries. Monitors inputs and outputs. Research Analysts/Environmental Scientists - Ensure compliance with laws & regulations. If approved, documents issued. If changes or additional data are required, letter to company. Efficacy data submitted, forwarded to SES. Staff Environmental Scientist (SES) - Reviews efficacy data. Findings to Registration Specialists. REGISTRATION

6. FERTILIZER INSPECTION ADVISORY BOARD Consist of 9 members (8 should be licensed and one public member) The board is advisory to the secretary The FIAB may make recommendations: Inspection and enforcement Research and education Annual budget Setting fees Regulations Other pertinent issues

7. ORGANIC INPUT SUB-COMITTEE Organic Fertilizer Association of California (OFAC) position paper presentation to the FIAB OFAC Recommendations for Action Creation of the Organic Input Sub- Committee

8. ORGANIC INPUT SUB-COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Develop new laws specific to organic inputs Require review of organic input fertilizer labels including bulk products Provide funding to support the review and inspection specific to organic inputs Have separate staff focused strictly on organic industry inspections and review Move forward on civil-penalty language for violations AB 856 moving through the process

9. Fertilizer Research and Education Program The Fertilizer Research and Education Program promotes agronomically sound and environmentally safe use of fertilizing materials Created in 1990 to address environmental issues (nitrate) From 1990 ‑ 2008, FREP has supported over 142 research and education projects Close to $ 1 million generated each year for Research and Education

10. FREP Projects by Region in CA

11. FREP Projects by Commodity

12. FREP Projects by Discipline

13. REGISTRATION

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