summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Nitrogen Reduction Program Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Agriculture shall, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and soil and water conservation districts in the State, develop a nitrogen reduction incentive program by January 1, 2027 for the purpose of addressing water quality issues. Provides that the program will include a per-acre payment rate of not less than $5 per acre. Provides that crop management records collected from farmers shall be considered confidential. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Nitrogen Reduction Program Act, which aims to improve water quality by incentivizing farmers to reduce their use of commercial nitrogen fertilizer, defined as fertilizer with at least 25% nitrogen content. The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and soil and water conservation districts, will create this program by January 1, 2027. Farmers can qualify for an annual incentive payment, set at a minimum of $5 per acre, if they can document a reduction in their commercial nitrogen fertilizer use by either 15% or 30 pounds per acre, whichever is less, by using approved products or technologies. The program will be reviewed periodically to consider higher reduction targets and new technologies, and it is intended to renew annually for four years, subject to available funding. Importantly, any crop management records collected from farmers for this program will be kept confidential and used only for the program's implementation.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura (on 03/23/2026)
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