1. Plant Biostimulants Update
Office of Chemical Safety & Pollution Prevention, Office of Pesticide Programs, Biopesticides & Pollution Prevention Division
Plant Biostimulants Update
Russell S. Jones, Ph.D., Senior Biologist
Biochemical Pesticides Branch
Biopesticides & Pollution Prevention Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
Office of Chemical Safety & Pollution Prevention
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Jeff comstock asked about nitrification inhibitors…recently saw one iwth a epa reg. No. And wanted to understand that beter. Jones says not sure, but hte biostimulators are being considered biopesticides. Even though the products have fertilizer aspects, but they rate is so low that they are not used as fert. The claims make it seem as though they are to stimulate the growth of plants, to enhance growth and yuield, resist pathogens, etc. So it looks like a plant regulator.
Rabe...these products are fairly extensive thses days..some of the labels and claimsare far reching, etc. Does the agency want notification of these types of products? As associations what can we do to get a handle on this ? Aafco is involved as well. Would be nice to get a handle now. Jones says goal is to hav eguidance sooner than later. At the moment it is case by case, trying to find a clear path. Lots of discussion on this....qu4estions from states are useful, please send them in, with all the info possible.
Lopez...in co lots of use on mj. Last year the dept collected 25 different products and sent them to fort meade to understand what the components of the products are. Would your office like to analyze? Jones, would love to know what they components are and gert and analysis from a reputatble source, but can’t authorize.....lopez, claims are verbal more than written/labels/labeling. But antecdotally they are widely known.

2. What are Biostimulants?
Products comprised of microbes and/or naturally-occurring plant growth substances derived from plants, animals, or microbes, used either alone or in combination with one another.

3. Intended Uses Biostimulants
Enhancers of plant growth and development
Increase yield and crop quality
Improve nutrient and water efficiency
Enhance resistance to abiotic and biotic stress
Induce systemic resistance to pathogens
Add or foster development of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere

4. Plant Biostimulants Do Not:
Act as fertilizers, or provide any fertilizer benefits to plants
Act as fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, herbicides, nematicides, and/or mitigate any plant pest

5. Biostimulant Market Relatively new, but growing category of products
Global market expected to reach over $2.24 billion by 2018
Estimated compound growth rate of 12.5% between 2013 and 2018
Over 6.2 million hectares treated in Europe in 2013
In the US, the “typical” biostimulant product is a seaweed extract

6. Why Are Biostimulants Important to EPA
Some components regulated under FIFRA
- Plant hormones (auxins, cytokinins, etc.)
- Other bioactive substances
- Microbes
Some product performance claims trigger regulation under FIFRA
May contain Conventional Chemicals not listed on product label ingredients statement
----- Meeting Notes (12/7/15 08:34) -----
fifra section 2b or 2v? regulates
there are some issues with folks spiking products

8. BIOSTIMULANT REGULATORY ISSUES
No clear definition, statutory or otherwise
Numerous products of uncertain composition
Some product label claims may trigger State/Federal enforcement actions
Uncertainty in the regulated community
Uncertainty in the State/Federal regulating community
FTE time devoted to enforcement issues
Rapidly growing product category needing regulatory clarity

9. Where Do We Go From Here? Exempt/Exclude from Federal regulation?
- Highly unlikely for all plant biostimulants
“Light-Touch” regulatory pathway?
- Based on existing human health/environmental information
- Documented human food source
- Long history of human/environmental exposure
Align with proposed EU Fertilizer Law Revision?
Business as usual – FIFRA Section 3 Registration?

10. Revision to EU Fertilizers Regulation (Reg. 2003/2003)
Proposed statutory definition for plant biostimulants
Four regulatory options for plant biostimulants
Proposed implementation in early 2020s

11. Goals of the Proposed Regulatory Guidance for Biostimulants
Describe the current “universe” of plant biostimulants for guidance purposes;
Provide regulatory relief for certain types of plant biostimulants
Provide regulatory clarity for Federal and State regulators
Provide regulatory clarity for the regulated community