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 subchapter requiring the division of soil conservation and water quality (division) created within the department of agriculture and land stewardship to develop, implement, and administer an innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program (program). PROGRAM GOAL. The bill provides that the goal of the program is to encourage producers to produce crops in a manner that optimizes commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer rates and reduces commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer application rates by a threshold limit of the lesser of percent or pounds per acre by incorporating identifiable cost-effective qualifying crop production products. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. The bill provides that the division may administer the program by contracting with another party and may cooperate with interested organizations. The division is required to select qualified producers each year to participate in the program and may award a selected producer an incentive payment for each acre that the selected producer applies qualifying crop production products to meet the program goal. PROGRAM FUND AND APPROPRIATIONS. The bill creates an innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program fund (fund). For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, and for each subsequent fiscal year until the fiscal year ending June 30, 2030, an appropriation of $2 million is made from the general fund to support the program each fiscal year until the fund’s repeal. PROGRAM REPORT. The bill requires the division to submit an innovative nutrient incorporation incentive pilot program report (report) to the governor and general assembly on or before January 15, 2029. The report must discuss the status of the program and include recommendations regarding how producers may reduce commercial nitrogen-based fertilizer application rates. CONFIDENTIALITY. The bill provides that certain information received by the division in conducting the program is confidential, including information that identifies persons participating in the program or the location of cropland used in conducting the program. REPEAL. The bill repeals the subchapter that provides for the program on December 31, 2030.46).