To: not_prudent who wrote (6807 ) 4/24/2011 11:47:23 AM From: Cheeky Kid Respond to of 16592 These guys? I don't know about other countries.cfi.ca Product Regulation Industry stakeholders recognize that fertilizers and supplements are the most important crop input. The prosperity of the agriculture and agri-food industry depends on a modern regulatory system that ensures timely access to safe and effective products. With this in mind, the Canadian Fertilizer Products Forum (CFPF) was launched in November 2006 to improve the regulatory system for fertilizers and supplements, and build a national consensus with all stakeholders. Another:tfi.org Fertilizer Regulations Like other manufactured goods, fertilizers are regulated for quality at the state level. Several federal regulations cover fertilizer manufacturing and transportation, and their potential impact on the environment and security. Every state in the country, as well as Puerto Rico, has its own fertilizer regulatory program, usually administered by the state department of agriculture. Federal Regulation While regulated primarily at the state level for quality, several federal laws also pertain to the manufacturing, distribution and use of fertilizers. Some laws, such as the community right to know acts, regard the industry's reporting responsibilities. Others, such as emission standards for air and water quality, and resource conservation and recovery acts, regard environmental stewardships. State Regulation State regulation is concerned with consumer protection, labeling, the protection of human health and the environment, and the proper handling and application of fertilizers. Fertilizers are regulated at the state level because soil conditions vary dramatically from state to state across the country. For example, the rocky, thin soils of New England are vastly different from the deep, rich black soils of the Midwest Corn Belt. A different level of fertilizer nutrients in the soil, different crops (potatoes versus corn, for instance) and different weather and cropping patterns require state-specific regulation. State Fertilizer Regulators The Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) is the national organization of fertilizer control officials from each state, Puerto Rico and Canada responsible for administering fertilizer law and regulation. AAPFCO ensures adequate labeling of fertilizers by establishing standard definitions for each fertilizer type. State control officials then test the nutrient content of fertilizers to ensure the mixture is consistent with these standards. This process protects consumers by making sure that the label on the fertilizer they purchase is consistent with its nutrient content. AAPFCO regulations also address the presence of naturally occurring metals in some fertilizers.