The Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025: A Defining Moment for U.S. Agriculture

Plant biostimulants are fast becoming a cornerstone of modern agriculture—boosting nutrient efficiency, strengthening soil health, and improving crop resilience in the face of climate stress. Yet, despite their global rise, the United States has lacked a clear regulatory definition. This gap has created challenges for manufacturers, farmers, and policymakers. The recent hearing of the House Agriculture Committee, “Past Breakthroughs and Future Innovations in Crop Production,” marks a turning point. At its center is the proposed Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025.

The Regulatory Gap. For years, U.S. biostimulant companies have navigated a patchwork of state-level regulations, with products often categorized as fertilizers, soil amendments, or even pesticides depending on jurisdiction. This lack of uniformity has made it difficult for businesses to scale and for farmers to confidently adopt innovations. Globally, however, the picture is clearer: the European Union already enforces a standardized definition and regulatory framework under the Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), easing trade and encouraging investment.

The Plant Biostimulant Act: What It Proposes.

• Define Plant Biostimulants: Establish a federal-level definition that distinguishes biostimulants from fertilizers and pesticides.
• Streamline Regulation: Harmonize oversight across states, reducing confusion and duplication for manufacturers and growers.
• Support Innovation: Encourage the development and commercialization of new products that enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and yield quality.
• Strengthen Trade: Align U.S. standards with global markets, making it easier for American companies to export biostimulant products abroad.

Industry Voices: Why It Matters. During the committee hearing, the Fertilizer Institute (TFI) emphasized the critical role of biostimulants in future crop production systems. With mounting pressure to reduce synthetic fertilizer use, address climate change, and feed a growing global population, biostimulants are no longer viewed as “niche.” They are emerging as mainstream solutions that complement conventional practices.

However, TFI and industry representatives warned that without regulatory clarity, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global race for agricultural innovation. Farmers need confidence in product claims, while companies require a predictable framework to justify research investment.

Implications for the Future.

• Market Growth: Provide a clear runway for startups and multinationals to innovate and scale solutions.
• Farmer Adoption: Simplify decision-making for growers by reducing regulatory confusion.
• Global Competitiveness: Position the U.S. as a leader in the fast-expanding global biostimulant market, which is projected to grow at double-digit rates.
• Environmental Gains: Accelerate adoption of eco-friendly solutions that enhance soil carbon, reduce chemical dependence, and support climate-smart farming.

Closing Thoughts. The Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025 is more than just a piece of legislation—it is a strategic signal that U.S. agriculture is ready to embrace the future. By defining and standardizing biostimulants, the Act would unlock innovation, investment, and trust, ensuring farmers have access to tools that build resilience and sustainability. As the Farm Bill takes shape, all eyes will be on how policymakers translate this momentum into action.