While interest in biostimulants is on the rise, historically there is little standardisation in how these products are described.
In a significant step toward improving transparency and consistency in the agricultural inputs sector, Fertilizer Australia has broadened the voluntary Biostimulant Labelling Code of Practice (CoP) to also include plant extract and protein hydrolysate product categories.
This industry-led initiative is designed to support growers, agronomists and rural advisors by promoting clear, accurate and consistent product information in a market that’s growing rapidly but often lacks clarity.
Fertilizer Australia’s CoP aims to make it easier for growers to understand what biostimulants contain, and how to use them effectively.
“We want to help growers and their advisors make informed decisions about biostimulant products – what they are, how they work and what they contain,” Fertilizer Australia CEO Stephen Annells said.
The CoP now covers microbial based products, humic substances, plant extracts and protein hydrolysate biostimulants. As the industry continues to evolve, further biostimulant categories will be added to the Code.
Voluntary and industry-led
The CoP is a voluntary framework, with Fertilizer Australia members working toward compliance with the plant extract and protein hydrolysate products over the next 12 months. This includes updating product labels and information to meet the standards set out in the Code.
Importantly, non-members are also encouraged to participate.
A range of activities will also be undertaken to build awareness of the code amongst non-member businesses selling biostimulants, agronomists, grower groups and relevant government departments.
The upgraded CoP is now publicly available and can be downloaded from the Fertilizer Australia website.
Growers can also access the Soil Wealth ICP Biological Products Database to navigate the array of ‘biological’ products currently available to their farming business. The database sorts biological products by trade name; source and trade name; and APVMA registration, product type and trade name.
