4.2 Reinstate public reporting on fertilizer distribution by FDACS

Key Message: Publicly accessible data on the distribution and sale of fertilizer by category and by county is urgently needed to accurately estimate nutrient loading from fertilizer, assess compliance with fertilizer regulations, and track the success of educational efforts.

Importance

Readily available data on the distribution and assumed sale and use of fertilizer at the county level is urgently needed to estimate gross nutrient inputs from fertilizer application and assess effectiveness of targeted policies and educational outreach on fertilizer practices. Regular online reporting of these data by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), without requiring a public records request, would facilitate dissemination and use. Details about tonnage, nutrient composition, and end-user are important to inform nutrient management.

Overview

Regulation of fertilizer in Florida began in 1889 with the first fertilizer law to test and inspect fertilizer products. Under state law, fertilizer is broadly defined as any plant nutrient or soil amendment except raw manure, peat, or compost. Today, almost 2 million tons of all types of fertilizer are distributed annually across Florida, with thousands of tons delivered to Sarasota County each year (FDACS 2020).

The manufacture, sale, and distribution of fertilizer is regulated by FDACS under F.S. Ch 576, including requirements for licensing, reporting, and product labeling. Florida’s Urban Turf Rule (F.A.C Ch 5E-1) further regulates fertilizer products sold for urban lawns, requiring specific and conspicuous labeling describing appropriate application rates, frequency, and other best management practices (BMPs) (see Chapter 4.3). Any product labeled as organic fertilizer under Florida’s Commercial Fertilizer Law must contain at least 60% of the nitrogen in slow-release form.

Licensed fertilizer manufacturers and distributors report the tonnage of fertilizer distributed to each county to FDACS monthly, with detail on nutrient composition, form, and end-user type. Until June 2012, FDACS publicly released annual reports of fertilizer distribution by county. Currently, FDACS only posts annual reports of tonnage by licensee on the web, and a public records request is necessary to acquire other detailed reports. 

Over fiscal years 2013-2020, manufacturers distributed an average of 3,300 tons of fertilizer products to Sarasota County each year, including an average of 124 tons per year of inorganic nitrogen-containing fertilizers (ranging from 34 to 324 tons per year) (FDACS 2020, unpublished data). About 68% of nitrogen fertilizers were distributed for use on farms, 14% for golf courses and athletic fields, 11% for use on residential lawns, and the balance for use in gardens, landscaping, nurseries, and greenhouses (Figure 4.2.1).

Approach

A simple internal policy change by FDACS Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement Division of Agricultural Environmental Services would allow public reporting of fertilizer sales and distribution. To request the policy change and initiate action, a formal letter of request from a coalition of prominent community organizations could be submitted to FDACS’ Director of External Affairs and Southwest Regional Director with a copy to the Agricultural Environmental Services office. 

Resources

• FDACS Fertilizer Reporting website
  https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Agriculture-Industry/Fertilizer-Licensing-and-Tonnage-Reporting

• Compliance Manual for the Florida Fertilizer Licensing and Reporting Law and Urban Turf Rule
  https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/3502/21933/Fertilizer_Registration_and_Labeling_Guidelines.pdf

• FDACS Staff
  Stephanie McClung, External Affairs Director
  Shahra Anderson Lambert, Regional Director — Southwest Florida
  Steven Harley, Environmental Manager — Division of Agricultural Environmental Services

Status

No Activity

Performance Measure

FDACS public reporting of annual fertilizer distribution by County

Experts or Leads

Alan Jones, Jones Potato Farm (contact for Agricultural Commissioner); Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (lead for local coalition); Jennifer Shafer, Science and Environment Council (lead for local coalition)

Cost Estimate

< $10,000

Related Activities

Chapter 4.3