Providing for a pilot program to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers to produce crops, and making appropriations

GENERAL. This bill amends Code chapter 466B, which includes a number of subchapters that provide programs to improve surface water quality. The bill creates a new Code subchapter requiring the division of soil conservation and water quality (division) within the department of agriculture and land stewardship to administer an innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program (pilot program) on cropland for four crop years. PILOT PROGRAM GOAL. The bill provides that the goal of the pilot program is to encourage farmers to best optimize commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer application rates, and achieve a fertilizer threshold reduction limit of the lesser of percent or pounds per acre by incorporating identifiable cost-effective qualifying crop production products and methodology. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCING OF PILOT PROGRAM. The bill allows the division to administer the pilot program or contract with a person to administer the pilot program under the division’s supervision. Each year, the division must select qualified producers to participate in the program. The division may award a selected producer an incentive payment for each acre to which the selected producer applies qualifying crop production products and methodology to meet the goal of the pilot program. The bill creates a pilot program fund that includes moneys appropriated from the general fund to support the pilot program. For each fiscal year, $2 million is appropriated from the general fund to support the pilot program. REPORT AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. The bill requires the division to prepare and deliver to the governor and general assembly a report regarding the status of the pilot program on or before January 15, 2029. Information acquired as a part of the pilot program is a confidential record. REPEAL. The new Code subchapter containing the bill’s provisions is repealed December 31, 2030.