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Feed, Seed and Fertilizer Regulation Feed | Seed | Fertilizer 2008 Vermont Feed Analysis Report This program provides for the registration, inspection and analysis of all commercial animal feed products sold in Vermont. The purpose of the inspection and analysis is to ensure that feed users are receiving a product that meets the nutritional guarantee specified by the labeling. The statutory authority for the program is found in 6 V.S.A. Chapter 26. 6 V.S.A Chapter 26--Commercial Feeds Penalties are assessed to manufacturers for products that are deficient in protein. Penalties are usually $50 per violation. However, penalties can be increased for subsequent violations. All penalties are paid to the Department. Violations are based on the label guarantee and the percent deficient. A complete analysis report is published annually. In addition to protein, the Department's laboratory analyzes for fat, fiber, non-protein nitrogen, ash moisture and trace minerals. The feed laboratory can also analyze for medications and mycotoxins. Feed manufacturers and dealers must register all their products with the Department. The annual registration fee is $75 per product, regardless of the size of the package. The registration fees directly fund the sampling and analysis.
The
fertilizer program provides for the registration, inspection and analysis
of all commercial fertilizer products sold in Vermont. The purpose of
the inspection and analysis is to ensure that fertilizer users are receiving
a product that meets the chemical guarantee specified by the labeling.
The statutory authority for the program is found in 6 V.S.A. Chapter 28--Fertilizer & Lime Vermont Fertilizer and Lime Regulations Penalties are assessed to manufacturers for products that are deficient in nitrogen, available phosphoric acid or phosphorous, and soluble potash or potassium content. The value of the penalty is based on the labeling guarantee percentage, the percent deficient and the total sample weight. If a product is consigned to a consumer then the penalty is paid to that person. If no person is identified, then the penalty is paid to the Department. No penalties are assessed for trace mineral violations. Annual analysis summary reports are available through the Department. Fertilizer manufacturers and dealers are required to register their commercial products with the Department. The annual registration fee is $15 per nutrient guarantee, or a maximum of $105 per product. The registration fees directly fund the sampling and analysis program. Fertilizer tonnage fees are also required. The fees are $.25 per ton sold in Vermont, or a minimum of $50.
The Vermont Seed Law was developed to protect the consumer. The yield obtained from a crop at the end of the season depends on the quality of seed and weather conditions during the growing season. With high quality seed which is free of noxious weed seed, the grower is off to a good start in achieving a bountiful harvest. The economic downturn of the past several years has put a strain on seed programs in the northeast. Most New England states, as well as New York, no longer have seed inspection programs. As a result, it appears that this region of the country is becoming a dumping ground for substandard seed. The increase in violations seems to indicate this is true. However, the number of samples tested is too small to make an accurate determination.
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