General Information
More Resources
- Association of American Feed Control Officials
- Association of American Plant Food Control Officials
- CA Dept. of Health Services
- CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation
- California Grain and Feed Association
- National Grain and Feed Association
- National Egg Regulatory Officials
- U. S. Department of Agriculture
- U. S. Food and Drug Administration
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Investigators by Region
Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program
The Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program is an industry-funded program that ensures consumers receive fertilizing materials that are safe and effective and meet the quality and quantity guaranteed by the manufacturer. Inspectors and investigators located throughout the state conduct routine sampling and inspections; respond to consumer complaints; and enforce the laws and regulations that govern the manufacturing and distribution of fertilizing materials. Registration Specialists carefully review product labels for misleading claims and compliance with existing labeling requirements. (Fertilizing Materials Licensing, Registration & Labeling Guide)
As part of the Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) facilitates research to advance the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizer materials. The program is funded through the collection of a license fees, mill tax and registration fees.
Heavy Metals Information for Fertilizer
Role of Fertilizer and Micronutrient Applications on Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead Accumulation...
A Generalized Trace Element Mass Balance Model for Cropland Soils: Arsenic and Cadmium
Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board
Current law establishes the formation of a Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board who advises or makes recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to inspection and enforcement, research and education, annual budget, necessary fees, and regulations required to accomplish the purposes of the law. The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board is comprised of eight members who possess a commercial feed license and one public member; all are appointed by the secretary for three-year terms. The board shall meet at least once a year.
Fertilizing Materials Registration Fees
Specialty fertilizers, packaged agricultural minerals, auxiliary soil and plant substances, and packaged soil amendments require registration prior to being offered for sale or distribution in California. Registrations are for two years, beginning January 1st of an even numbered year and expiring on December 31st of the following odd-numbered year. The initial registration fee is $100 per label, and renewal is $50 per label. Registration application can be obtained here.
Fertilizing Materials Licensing Fees
Every person who manufactures or distributes fertilizing materials shall obtain a license from the secretary for each plant or business location. Licensing is for two years, beginning January 1st of each odd-numbered year and expiring on December 31st of the following even-numbered year. The current license fee is $100. Licensing application can be obtained here.
Fertilizing Materials Inspection Fees
Any licensee whose name appears as the guarantor on the label who sells or distributes bulk fertilizing materials to the end user or whose name appears on the label of a packaged fertilizing material shall pay an assessment of two mills ($0.001) per dollar of sales. In addition, one mill ($0.0005) per dollar sale of fertilizing material is assessed to provide funding for research and education regarding the use and handling of commercial and organic fertilizer, including environmental effects. Inspection fees are due on a quarterly basis.