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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 7Ch. 5Art. 10§ 14652 Fertilizing Material Regulation

§ 14652 Fertilizing Material Regulation

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 14652 Fertilizing Material Regulation

This law says you can't make or sell fertilizer in the state unless you follow the rules, and you can't change or lie about what's on the label.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must follow the state’s fertilizer rules before making or selling any fertilizer.
  • •You cannot change the fertilizer or lie about what's in it; doing so is a misdemeanor.
  • •Fines range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, and you can lose your license for three years.

Example

A company mixes cheap sand into a bag of nitrogen fertilizer and still labels it as 100% pure nitrogen fertilizer.

Because the product doesn't match the label, the company broke the law and could be fined up to $5,000 for a first accidental mistake, up to $15,000 for later accidental mistakes, or at least $15,000 if they knew they were lying. They could also lose their license to sell organic products for three years.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 14652 Fertilizing Material Regulation

(a) It is unlawful for any person to manufacture or distribute in this state any fertilizing material without complying with this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. (b) It is unlawful for any person to adulterate, misbrand, or alter any fertilizing material with the result that the fertilizing material would be inconsistent with the label claims. Any violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine as follows: (1) Not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the first violation that is not a knowing violation. (2) Not more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each subsequent unknowing violation. (3) Not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each knowing violation. (c) Any person found in violation of subdivision (b) of this section or subdivision (e) of Section 14682 may also be prohibited by the secretary from obtaining a license to sell organic input materials for three years. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 257, Sec. 18. (AB 856) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

fertilizing materialadulteratemisbrandlabel claimsorganic input materials

Related Statutes

  • § 14653 Seizure Of Fertilizing Material
  • § 14654 Fertilizer Seizure Hold Orders
  • § 14655 Fertilizing Material Hold Orders
  • § 15082 Commercial Feed Regulation Compliance
  • § 14505 Sewage Sludge Fertilizer Regulation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 14652.
View Official Source