What does the Fertilizer Program do for you?

The program licenses commercial fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and dealers to ensure the quality of fertilizer and soil amendment products sold in Montana.

Fertilizer Program Objectives

• Safeguard the health of humans, animals, and plants
• Promote high-quality commercial fertilizer and soil amendment products that are safe, uniform and effective
• Verify truth in labeling of products
• Ensure standardization and uniformity of terms and definitions used in the fertilizer industry

The program investigates complaints and collects random samples of products at manufacturing sites, storage areas, distribution and transit points, retail stores and end-user locations. Samples are sent to the department's Analytical Laboratory in Bozeman, which analyzes them for compliance with labeling claims and for the presence of trace metals that may be harmful to plants, animals or humans. Results are reported to the registrant or blending facility. All fertilizer products must be labeled properly and accurately.

If there are any problems, the registrant or blending facility is contacted for resolution.

Who needs a Fertilizer Dealer License?

Any business that manufactures a commercial fertilizer or soil amendment sold in Montana, or who distributes a commercial fertilizer or soil amendment in Montana. Distributors of un-manipulated animal or vegetable manures and specialty fertilizers are exempt.
 

Who needs to register a Fertilizer Product?

Commercial fertilizer, soil amendment, or specialty fertilizer must be registered by January 1 of each year by the manufacturer or the supplier on the manufacturer's behalf.