Senate votes to increase fertilizer inspection fees

From Rapid City Journal

"PIERRE | State inspection fees on fertilizers should be raised, the state Senate decided Tuesday.

The additional revenue would be used to fund fertilizer research at the Agricultural Experiment Station at South Dakota State University.

There are national watershed concerns about nitrogen and phosphorus levels. State officials said they want to establish agricultural recommendations specific to South Dakota’s conditions.

Farm lobbyists estimate the additional fee revenue would be approximately $300,000 annually. The various fees now range from 5 cents to 25 cents per ton. The legislation would add 15 cents to each of those fees.

Senators voted 30-5 in favor of SB115. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

The legislation also forms a state council on nutrient research and education.

Senate Democratic leader Jason Frerichs of Wilmot said the real need is to update fertilizer recommendations for farmers."

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