Federal Framework Sought for Biostimulants

During a House Agriculture Committee hearing on crop production innovation, Nutrien Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant advocated for the Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025. Wyant told lawmakers biostimulants are essential for improving both yields and sustainability. “Biostimulants work by enhancing the plant or soil’s natural processes, improving stress tolerance to heat and cold, and supporting overall plant and soil health.” Despite the benefits, Wyant warned that a lack of federal standards is stalling innovation. “There is currently no federal definition for plant biostimulants, leaving a state patchwork of regulations,” he explained. “Additionally, incorrectly treating biostimulants as pesticides delays innovation and denies useful tools for farmers.”