GCSAA continues its efforts to ensure superintendents have access to the plant biostimulants needed for their courses. To help provide a consistent and predictable path to market for plant biostimulant products in the United States, GCSAA supports legislation introduced in Congress, the “Plant Biostimulant Act” (S. 802 and H.R. 1472).   This legislation would create a uniform process for approving commercial plant biostimulant use and conducting research.  

Plant biostimulants improve turf’s natural processes by increasing plant growth and health and by reducing the stress from heat, salinity, floods and drought.   

GCSAA has also signed on to efforts to support a path to market for biostimulants at the state level.  This includes draft legislation to be enacted across the 50 states,  the “Uniform Beneficial Substances Bill”, which would provide a uniform definition of biostimulants and a pathway for registration and labelling of biostimulant products. 

GCSAA believes adoption of a standardized label nationwide is vital for golf course management.   A nationally standardized label makes it easier for manufacturers, distributors and end users like superintendents to comply with regulations and for regulators to ensure compliance.  In addition, GCSAA joined CropLife America, the National Association of Landscape Professionals and other associations on a letter to the 50 state agriculture commissioners, urging their support for this legislation. 

This biostimulants flyer provides more information on this important issue.  GCSAA will continue its efforts to provide golf course management access to this vital tool.