AAPFCO

Product Label Guide

Association of American Plant

Food Control Officials
2019
www.aapfco.org
 Table of Contents
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………….………………....i
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Label Defined .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Fertilizers ................................................................................................................................................. 2
General Requirements .................................................................................................................... 2
Types of Fertilizers........................................................................................................................... 2
Basic Label Components ................................................................................................................. 3
Brand ................................................................................................................................................................3
Grade.................................................................................................................................................................3
Guaranteed Analysis ...................................................................................................................................3
Directions for Use ..........................................................................................................................................................3
Name and Address of Registrant .............................................................................................................................4
Net Weight ........................................................................................................................................................................4
Derivation Statement .................................................................................................................................4
Guaranteed Analysis Basics .......................................................................................................... 4
Nitrogen Guarantees ........................................................................................................................ 6
Forms of Nitrogen........................................................................................................................................6
Available Phosphate Guarantees ................................................................................................ 6
Soluble Potash Guarantees ............................................................................................................ 7
Secondary and Micro Nutrient Guarantees ............................................................................. 7
Chelated and Complexed Plant Nutrient Guarantees...............................................................8
Warning and Caution Statements..........................................................................................................8
Chlorine ...........................................................................................................................................................8
Slowly Available Nutrient Guarantees ...................................................................................... 8
Other Label Requirements ................................................................................................................. 9
Specialty Fertilizers ......................................................................................................................... 9
Beneficial Substances ...................................................................................................................... 9
Labeling of Organic Input Products .......................................................................................... 10
Labeling and Misbranding ........................................................................................................... 10
Adulteration ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Bulk Compost ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Label Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 12
Net Weight ................................................................................................................................................... 13
List of Feedstocks ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Nutrient Guarantees ................................................................................................................................ 13
Sources of Nutrients ................................................................................................................................ 13
Product Claims ................................................................................................................................. 13
Horticultural Growing Media…………………………………………………………………………………..15
Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Label Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………….15
Description of the Physical Components..……………………………………………………………16
Exemptions……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………16
HGM Verification of Label Claims Document……………………………………..…………………16
Soil and Plant Amendments ............................................................................................................ 18
Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Label Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 18
Labeling and Misbranding ........................................................................................................... 19
Adulteration ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Appendix A - Globally Harmonized System Labeling………………………………………………..28
Appendix B - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers……………………………………….….28

List of Figures
Label 1: Basic Elements of a Fertilizer Label ............................................... …5

Label 2: A Fertilizer Label with Additional Claims........................................ 11

Label 3: Basic Elements of Bulk Compost Label ......................................... 14

Label 4: Basic Elements of a Horticultural Growing Media Label…………..17

Flowchart: Evaluation Framework for Products Containing Viable

Microorganisms…………………………………………………….….20

Label 5: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment Label .................................. 21

Label 6: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment Label .................................. 22

Compost/Garden Soil

Label 7: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment Label ................................. 23

Single Ingredient

Label 8: Basic Elements of a Microbial Soil Amendment Label ................. 24

Colony Forming Unit (CFU) Guarantee

Label 9: Basic Elements of a Microbial Soil Amendment Label ................. 25

Propagule Guarantee

Label 10: Basic Elements of a Plant Amendment Label……...…………..….26

Label 11: A Complete Fertilizer Label............................................................ 27

i
Introduction Label Defined
Association of American Plant Food Control The term label is all of the written, printed,
Officials (AAPFCO) is an organization of or graphic matter on the immediate
fertilizer control officials from each state in container, or a statement accompanying a
the United States, from Canada and from fertilizer. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer
Puerto Rico who are actively engaged in the Bill, Section 4(n)]
administration of fertilizer laws and
regulations; and, research workers Each product container must have a label
employed by these governments who are that is clearly legible and conspicuous, and
engaged in any investigation concerning that provides the basic information, as
mixed fertilizers, fertilizer materials, their described in the following document, for the
effect, and/or their component parts. product.

The Association works to create guidance For bulk shipments, the label will be a
for members and industry by developing separate document accompanying the
standards through consensus. Although delivery and supplied to the purchaser at
individual states may choose not to adopt the time of delivery.
AAPFCO guidance in full, or may adopt
additional standards, the guidance in this, The term labeling means any advertising,
and other AAPFCO documents, can be promotional, or promotion of any fertilizer
considered as a minimum standard for all including but not limited to all written,
products and the official policy of the printed, graphic, or electronic
Association. communication used in promoting the sale
of such fertilizer. [AAPFCO Uniform State
This AAPFCO Label Guide is a summary of Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(o)] (Official WA
the label standards contained in the 2017)
AAPFCO Official Publication No. 71 (2018).
Although this guide describes AAPFCO
label standards, the laws of each state are
the final standard for labeling, licensing, and
registration requirements. The AAPFCO
Official Publication is available for purchase
at www.aapfco.org

Note: Other standards also apply to product

labels. This document includes —
Additional Notes — which refer to the
standards of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) used by
many state weights and measures
programs, and the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), which oversees
advertising in interstate commerce.
Following these standards can make multi-
state registration quicker and easier.

1
Fertilizers Organic Fertilizer. A material containing
carbon and one or more elements other
General Requirements than hydrogen and oxygen essential for
All fertilizers, including specialty fertilizers, plant growth. (AAPFCO Official Terms, T-
must be registered and/or licensed before 12)
being distributed in the State. [AAPFCO
Natural Fertilizer. A substance composed
Uniform State Fertilizer Bill Section 5]
only of natural organic and/or natural
inorganic fertilizer materials and natural
Types of Fertilizers fillers. (AAPFCO Official Terms, T-36)
Fertilizer. A fertilizer is a substance Natural Organic Fertilizer. Materials
containing one or more recognized plant derived from either plant or animal products
nutrients, and used for its plant nutrient containing one or more elements (other
content. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) which
Bill, Section 4(a)] are essential for plant growth. These
materials may be subjected to biological
Fertilizer Material. A fertilizer that contains degradation processes under normal
important quantities of only one primary conditions of aging, rainfall, sun-curing, air
nutrient (total nitrogen, available phosphate, drying, composting, rotting, enzymatic, or
or soluble potash), or has 85% or more of anaerobic/aerobic bacterial action, or any
its plant nutrient content as a single combination of these. These materials shall
chemical compound, or is derived from plant not be mixed with synthetic materials or
or animal residue or by-product, or a natural changed in any physical or chemical
material deposit that has not had its nutrient manner from their initial state except by
content materially altered by processing. manipulations such as drying, cooking,
[AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, chopping, grinding, shredding, hydrolysis, or
Section 4(a)(1)] pelleting. (AAPFCO Official Terms, T-13)

Mixed Fertilizer. A mixed fertilizer is a Natural Inorganic Fertilizer. A mineral

fertilizer containing a mixture of fertilizer nutrient source that exists in or is produced
materials (ingredients). [AAPFCO Uniform by nature and may be altered from its
State Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(a)(2)] original state only by physical manipulation.
(AAPFCO Official Terms, T-35)
Specialty Fertilizer. A fertilizer distributed
Natural Base Fertilizer. A mixed fertilizer
for non-farm use, such as a lawn fertilizer.
where more than half of the fertilizer
[AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill,
materials is natural and where more than
Section 4(a)(3)]
half of the sum of the guaranteed primary
nutrient percentages is derived from natural
Bulk Fertilizer. A fertilizer distributed in a
materials. (AAPFCO Official Terms, T-38)
non-packaged form, such as; truckload
shipments. [AAPFCO Uniform State Organic Base Fertilizer. A mixed fertilizer
Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(a)(4)] where more than half of the fertilizer
materials is organic and where more than
Synthetic Fertilizer. Any fertilizer one half of the sum of the guaranteed
manufactured from one or more synthetic primary nutrient percentages is derived from
materials containing no animal parts, animal organic materials. (AAPFCO Official Terms,
byproducts, manures, or renderings. T-39)
(AAPFCO Official Terms, T-61)

2
Basic Label Components Grade
The grade is the percentage of Total
All fertilizer labels must have five basic Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphate (P2O5)
elements: brand and grade, guaranteed and Soluble Potash (K2O) in the same
analysis, directions for use, name and terms, order, and percentages as in the
address of registrant, and net weight. guaranteed analysis. The grade should not
[AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, include any nutrients other than Total
Section 6] Nitrogen, Available Phosphate, and Soluble
Potash. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer
For bulk shipments, this information must Bill, Section 4(d) and Statements of Uniform
accompany the delivery as a written or Interpretation and Policy (1)]
printed form and shall be supplied to the The grade statement for mixed fertilizers
purchaser at the time of delivery. [Uniform must be in whole numbers, such as 10-20-
State Fertilizer Bill, Section 6(a)] 10. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill,
Section 4(d)]
A fertilizer formulated according to
specifications which are furnished by or for The grade statement for specialty fertilizers
a consumer prior to mixing (custom blend) may be guaranteed in fractional units of less
shall be labeled to show the net weight, the than one percent of Total Nitrogen (N),
guaranteed analysis, and the name and Available Phosphate (P2O5), and Soluble
address of the distributor or Potash (K2O). [AAPFCO Uniform State
registrant/licensee. [Uniform State Fertilizer Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(d)]
Bill, Section 6(b)]
The grade statement for fertilizer materials
A fertilizer formulated according to such as bone meal, manure, or ammonium
specifications which are furnished by or for nitrate may also be guaranteed in fractional
an end user prior to mixing and intended to units. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer
be applied using variable rate technology Bill, Section 4(d)]
shall be accompanied by a plainly written Guaranteed Analysis
statement which shows the guaranteed The Guaranteed Analysis is the
analysis and net weight of each material manufacturer's guarantee for minimum
used in the formulation, the name and percentage of nutrients claimed for the
address of the distributor or product. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer
registrant/licensee and the end user, and Bill, Section 4(c)] In a Guaranteed Analysis
the global positioning system (GPS) the nutrients are listed in a specific order
coordinates of the field location on which and format. [AAPFCO Rules and
the material was applied. [Uniform State Regulations-Fertilizer 1] For more
Fertilizer Bill, Section 6(c)] information, see the section titled,
“Guaranteed Analysis Basics” (page 4).
Brand
The brand is a term, design or trademark Directions for Use
used in connection with one or several Any fertilizer delivered to an end user shall
grades of fertilizer. The brand must not be include directions for use. The minimum
misleading. Any numerals used in the directions must include either a general
brand must not be misleading. [AAPFCO statement, such as “Use in accordance with
Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(b)] the recommendations of a qualified
An example of an acceptable brand would individual or institution or according to an
be "SuperGro Supreme." approved nutrient management plan,” or
provide detailed directions for use.
[AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-Fertilizer
2(h)]

3
Name and Address of Registrant Derivation Statement
The name and address of the person or The derivation statement lists the sources
company responsible for the guarantees on for the nutrients in the guaranteed analysis.
the label must be listed on the label. This statement is not required by the
[AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, but
Section 5(a)(3)] when it is provided, it must be listed below
the guaranteed analysis. [AAPFCO Rules
Additional Notes–The NIST packaging and Regulations-Fertilizer 2(e)]
standards require the name of the person or
company responsible for the product be Guaranteed Analysis Basics
conspicuously displayed on any package.
(NIST Consumer Packaging Label Guide, The Guaranteed Analysis is the guarantee
SP 1020-1, 2005, p. 14) of the minimum percentage of nutrients
claimed for the product. These claims must
Net Weight be made in a specific order and format, as
All fertilizer labels (bag, bulk or liquid) must shown in Example Label #1 (page 5).
include a statement of net weight.
[AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-Fertilizer Any primary nutrients claimed must be
2(a)] As all guarantees for plant nutrients reported as Total Nitrogen (N), Available
are made as a percentage of weight, all Phosphate (P2O5), and Soluble Potash
products must be labeled and sold by net (K2O), in that order. [AAPFCO Uniform
weight stated in U.S. and Metric Units. State Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(c)(1)]
Additional Notes–NIST Handbook 130, The guarantees for all other nutrients must
Uniform Packaging and Labeling be made on an elemental basis and in the
Regulation, 2009, Section 6(6.3) also order shown in Example Label #1 (page 5).
requires all packages to declare a net [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-Fertilizer
quantity. 1]
The NIST packaging standards require the Zero (0) guarantees should not be made
net weight statement to be bold, clear and and shall not appear in guaranteed analysis
conspicuous, in a color that contrasts with statement, except in nutrient guarantee
the background, and parallel to the base of breakdowns. [AAPFCO Rules and
the package in the lower 30% of the Regulations-Fertilizer 2(d)] (See page 6)
principal display panel. Words or phrases
that qualify the amount, such as The term of “percentage” by symbol or
“approximately,” are not allowed. (NIST word, when used on a fertilizer label shall
Consumer Packaging Label Guide SP represent only the amount of individual plant
1020-1, 2005, p. 15) nutrients in relation to the total product by
weight. [AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer
Bill, Section 4(h), Rules and Regulations-
Fertilizer 5] For example, the statement a
product “contains 50% slowly available
nitrogen” would mean the product would
have a grade statement of at least 50-0-0,
and a 50 lb bag would contain 25 lbs. of
slowly available nitrogen.

4
 Label 1: Basic Elements of a Fertilizer Label

Brand Name
SuperGro Supreme
Grade
12-4-9
Statement
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Total Nitrogen (N)…………………………...12%
Available Phosphate (P2O5) ....................... 4%
Soluble Potash (K2O) ................................. 9%
Calcium (Ca) .............................................. x%
Magnesium (Mg) ........................................ x%
Sulfur (S) .................................................... x%
Boron (B) .................................................... x%
Guaranteed
Chlorine (Cl) .............................................. x%
Analysis
Cobalt (Co) ................................................. x%
Copper (Cu) ................................................ x%
Iron (Fe) ...................................................... x%
Derivation Manganese (Mn) ........................................ x%
statement Molybdenum (Mo) ...................................... x%
Nickel (Ni) ................................................... x%
Sodium (Na) ............................................... x%
Zinc (Zn) ..................................................... x%
Directions for
use Derived from: Ammonium Sulfate, Triple Super
Phosphate, Sulfate of Potash Magnesia, Potassium
Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Boric Acid, Cobalt Sulfate,
Name and Copper Oxide, Iron Oxide, Manganese Sulfate,
mailing Sodium Molybdate, Nickel Oxide, and Zinc Oxide.
address of
registrant, Directions for use: ……………………….
distributor or
manufacturer Farm Co-op
Hwy 1, Box 7
Centerville, Any State Zip Code
Net Weight or Phone Number
Volume.
Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

5
Nitrogen Guarantees Other Water Soluble Nitrogen can come
from sources that include, but are not
In the guaranteed analysis, nitrogen must limited to, methylene urea, urea triazone,
be guaranteed as Total Nitrogen (N). methylene diurea (MDU),
dimethylenetriurea (DMTU), dicyandiamide,
If chemical forms of nitrogen are claimed or triazone, ureaform, and urea-formaldehyde.
required, then, as shown below, the forms
must be shown in the Guaranteed Analysis. Slowly Available Water Soluble Nitrogen
No particular order of forms of nitrogen is can come from sources that include, but are
required. [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations- not limited to, methylene urea, urea
Fertilizer 2(d)] triazone, methylene diurea (MDU),
dimethylenetriurea (DMTU), dicyandiamide,
triazone, ureaform, and urea-formaldehyde.
(AAPFCO Statement of Uniform
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Interpretation of Policy 21)
Total Nitrogen (N)*…………………………x%
x% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
x% Nitrate Nitrogen
x% Water Insoluble Nitrogen SLOW FERTILIZER 20-0-0
x% Urea Nitrogen Guaranteed Analysis
x% (Other recognized and Total Nitrogen………………………………….20%
determinable forms of nitrogen) 8% Urea Nitrogen
Available Phosphate (P2O5).…..…….……x% 2% Other Water Soluble Nitrogen
Soluble Potash (K2O) ……………………..x% 2.9% Slowly Available Water Soluble Nitrogen*
(Other nutrients, elemental basis)*..........x% 7.1% Water Insoluble Nitrogen
*As prescribed by Regulation No. 1 (see page 7)
*Slowly available nitrogen from (list source).

Forms of Nitrogen
Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH4+) is one of only Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN) can come
two forms of nitrogen taken up by plants. from sources that include, but are not
Sources include but are not limited to limited to, ureaform, isobutylidene diurea,
monoammonium phosphate (MAP), urea-formaldehyde, feather meal, blood
diammonium phosphate (DAP), ammonium meal, corn gluten meal, and other natural
sulfate, ammonium nitrate, urea ammonium organic materials.
nitrate (UAN), ammonium polyphosphate,
calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and Available Phosphate
ammonium thiosulfate. Guarantees
Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-) is one of only two Available Phosphate (P2O5) is the sum of
forms of nitrogen taken up by plants. the water soluble and the citrate soluble
Sources include but are not limited to UAN, phosphate in a product. (AAPFCO Official
ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), potassium Fertilizer Definition P-2) This is also the
nitrate (KNO3), calcium nitrate [Ca (NO3)]2 amount of pentavalent phosphorus P+5
and sodium nitrate (NaNO3). present in the material. [Uniform State
Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(c)(2) and AAPFCO
Urea Nitrogen [CO(NH2)2] can come from Official Fertilizer Definition P-1]
sources that include, but are not limited to,
UAN, urea, urea triazone, sulfur coated Some sources of phosphate
urea, and polymer coated urea. include: diammonium phosphate (DAP),
monoammonium phosphate (MAP), single
super phosphate, triple superphosphate,
(TSP), magnesium ammonium phosphate,

6
magnesium potassium phosphate, nickel, sodium and zinc. (AAPFCO Official
monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium Terms T-9)
phosphate, rock phosphate, bone meal, and
tripotassium phosphate. Except for those water soluble nutrients
labeled for ready to use foliar fertilizers,
Definitions ready to use specialty liquid fertilizers,
hydroponic or continuous liquid feed
No Phosphate Fertilizer means fertilizer programs and guarantees for potting,
products with phosphate levels below 0.5% garden, and lawn soils, the minimum
intended for established urban turf or lawns. percentages of secondary nutrients and
(AAPFCO Official Terms T-76) micronutrients accepted for registration are
as follows:
Low Phosphate Fertilizer means products
intended for new or established urban turf or
lawns, with available phosphate levels equal Calcium (Ca) 1.0000%
to or above 0.5% P2O5 and an application Magnesium Mg) 0.5000%
rate not to exceed 0.25 lb. P2O5/1000 sq. Sulfur (S) 1.0000%
ft./application and 0.5 lb P2O5/1000 sq. Boron (B) 0.0200%
ft./year. (AAPFCO Official Terms T-77) Chlorine (Cl) 0.1000%
Cobalt (Co) 0.0005%
Soluble Potash Guarantees Copper (Cu) 0.0500%
Iron (Fe) 0.1000%
Soluble Potash (K2O) is the portion of the Manganese (Mn) 0.0500%
potash soluble in aqueous ammonium Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0005%
oxalate, aqueous ammonium citrate or Nickel (Ni) 0.0010%
water. (AAPFCO Official Fertilizer Sodium (Na) 0.1000%
Definitions K-2) Zinc (Zn) 0.0500%

Some sources of soluble potash include:

sulfate of potash, muriate of potash, Guarantees or claims for the above listed
potassium sulfate, kelp, and sulfate of plant nutrients are the only ones which will
potash-magnesia. be accepted. Guarantees for any of the
above listed elements shall appear in the
Secondary and Micro Nutrient order listed, immediately following
guarantees for primary nutrients of Total
Guarantees Nitrogen, Available Phosphate, and Soluble
Potash. [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-
All fertilizer nutrients, with the exception of Fertilizer 1]
phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O), if
guaranteed, shall be stated in terms of the
elements. [AAPFCO Rules and
Regulations-Fertilizer 1 and AAPFCO
Statements of Uniform Interpretation and
Policy 2]

Nutrients, other than primary nutrients, that

are essential to the normal growth of plants
may need to be added to the growth
medium. Secondary plant nutrients include
calcium, magnesium and sulfur; micro plant
nutrients include boron, chlorine, cobalt,
copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum,

7
Chelated and Complexed Plant Nutrient claim is made; then the guarantee should
Guarantees be shown as a footnote, rather than as a
When plant nutrients are chelated or component in the guaranteed analysis.
complexed the chelating or complexing [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-Fertilizer
agent shall be listed in the derived from 3] (AAPFCO Statements of Uniform
statement and guaranteed as follows: Interpretation and Policy 17)

Guaranteed Analysis Guarantee for One Slowly

Copper (Cu)…………………...10% Available Nutrient
8% Water Soluble Copper (Cu)
Iron (Fe)…………………….….10% GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
10% Chelated Iron (Fe) Total Nitrogen (N) x%
Derived from: Copper Amino Acid x% Nitrate Nitrogen
Complex and Iron EDTA x% Urea Nitrogen*
x% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
Warning and Caution Statements
Warning or caution statements may be *x% Slowly available urea nitrogen from
_______ (list source material).
required for some water soluble forms of
micronutrients, such as boron or
molybdenum, when present in excess of a **************************************************
state-defined level. [AAPFCO Rules and
Regulations-Fertilizer 1 (a)-(e)] (Refer to Guarantee for All Materials of One Nutrient
Appendix A) Example of a warning Slowly Available
statement is included in Sample Label 2
(page 11). Substitutions may be made in GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
the Caution or Warning statements for Total Nitrogen (N)* x%
x% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
nutrient hazards. Acceptable substitutions
x% Urea Nitrogen
would include Attention, Notice, or any other x% Nitrate Nitrogen
term/phrase deemed appropriate by the
department and not in conflict with other *x% Slowly available nitrogen from _______ (list
federal or state labeling laws. source material).
**************************************************
Guarantee for Two Slowly
Chlorine Available Materials
The chlorine content of mixed fertilizers in
which the potash is claimed in a form other GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
than chloride shall not exceed one-half of Total Nitrogen (N) x%
one percent (0.5%) more than five percent x% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
(5%) of the potash content found (Calculate x% Nitrate Nitrogen
as follows: 0.05 times the percentage of x% Urea Nitrogen*
potash found plus 0.5). (AAPFCO Available Phosphate (P2O5)** x%
Statements of Uniform Interpretation and
Policy 10) *x% Slowly available urea nitrogen from
_______ (list source material).
**x% Slowly available phosphate from _______
Slowly Available Nutrient (list source material).
Guarantees
**************************************************
When a fertilizer contains recognized and
determinable forms of nutrients with slowly
available properties, including coated or
occluded materials and a slowly available

8
Guarantee for Two Coated Materials guaranteed on the product label. This
guarantee shall appear under the heading
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS “Contains Beneficial Substances” or
Total Nitrogen (N)* x% “Contains Beneficial Compounds”.
x% Ammoniacal Nitrogen [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations-Fertilizer
x% Nitrate Nitrogen 2(f)]
x% Urea Nitrogen
Available Phosphate (P2O5)* x% Guarantee for Beneficial
Substances
*The nitrogen and phosphate in this product
have been coated to provide x% coated slow
release nitrogen (N) and x% coated slow Contains Beneficial Substances
release available phosphate (P2O5). Beneficial substance…………………__ %
(or acceptable units)
Purpose Statement:
Other Label
Requirements Or
Contains Beneficial Compounds
Beneficial Compound………………..__%
Specialty Fertilizers (or acceptable units)
Specialty fertilizers are products intended Purpose Statement:
for non-farm use. Any product coming
under the fertilizer law shall not carry labels Examples
to emphasize that dilutions will make so
many gallons of fertilizer. Specific claims, Contains Beneficial Substances
such as “contents of this package will make Soluble Silicon (Si)………………...__%
___ gallons of fertilizer” should be Derived from: (i.e. Calcium Silicate, Calcium
prohibited. The labels shall not carry any Magnesium Silicate)
extravagant and misleading advertising and Purpose: ………………………………..
claims. (AAPFCO Statement of Uniform
Interpretation and Policy 9) Or
Specialty fertilizer labels must include
directions for use, including recommended Contains Beneficial Compounds
application rates, application timing and Soluble Silicon (Si)……….………__%
minimum intervals, and the statement Derived from: (i.e. Calcium Silicate, Calcium
“Apply Only as Directed,” or similar Magnesium Silicate)
statement. [AAPFCO Rules and Purpose: ………………………………………
Regulations-Fertilizer 2(h)(1)]

Beneficial Substances The amount of beneficial substance or

compound is generally guaranteed by the
Beneficial substances or compounds are weight of the substance or compound as a
any substance or compound other than percentage of the net weight of the product.
primary, secondary, and micro plant When more appropriate; certain substances
nutrients that can be demonstrated by or compounds may be guaranteed in other
scientific research to be beneficial to one or units.
more species of plants, when applied
exogenously to the plant or soil. (AAPFCO
Official Terms T-73)

When claimed or advertised, beneficial

substances or compounds must be

9
Labeling of Organic Input It can be attached to the product,
accompany the product, or be entirely
Products separate from the product.
Products intended for use as organic inputs
A fertilizer shall be deemed misbranded if:
may make statements on the product’s label
• its labeling is false or misleading
that affirm that the product is in accord with
the National Organics Program (NOP) (e.g. • it is distributed under the name of
“suitable for organic farming”, “acceptable another fertilizer product
for use in organic production”, or “meets • it is not labeled as required and in
National Organic Program requirements for accordance with regulations
organic production”) and may use the logos • any plant nutrient or fertilizer claimed
issued by the recognized agencies such as or guaranteed does not conform to
OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), the definition of identity, if any,
certifying agencies, state programs, or other prescribed by regulation of the state;
recognized organic input listing services. in adopting such regulations the
Such statements are exempt from state shall give due regard to
requirements pertaining to organic labeling commonly accepted definitions and
under the fertilizer law. (AAPFCO official fertilizer terms such as those
Statement of Uniform Interpretation and issued by AAPFCO.
Policy 28)
No person shall distribute a misbranded
Organic Fertilizers whose label or labeling fertilizer product. [AAPFCO Uniform State
includes statements regarding the presence Fertilizer Bill Section 12]
of organic matter and claims consistent with
Additional Notes — The Federal Trade
established agronomic benefits that organic
Commission (FTC) requires that any claims
matter imparts on soils need not be dual-
made in product advertising must:
registered as a soil amendment provided
that the product is registered as a fertilizer. • be truthful and non-deceptive, and
(AAPFCO Statements of Uniform • have evidence to back up any claims,
Interpretation and Policy 29) prior to making the claim.

The simple rule to avoid misbranding:

Organic Nitrogen can be used, when
appropriate, to describe a portion of the If you claim it,
nitrogen in the nitrogen breakdown. you must guarantee it.
However, if an amount of nitrogen is
designated as organic then the water Adulteration
insoluble nitrogen or the slow release
nitrogen guarantee must not be less than A fertilizer is adulterated if:
60% of the nitrogen so designated. Coated • it contains any harmful or deleterious
urea shall not be included in meeting the substance in sufficient amounts to
60% requirement. [AAPFCO Rules and render it injurious to beneficial plant life,
Regulations-Fertilizer 9] humans, aquatic life, soil or water when
applied as directed;
Labeling and Misbranding • adequate warning statements and
directions for use which are necessary
In essence, “labeling” means any for safe use are not shown on the label,
advertising, promotional, or promotion of • its composition is less than purported; or
any fertilizer including but not limited to all • it contains unwanted crop or weed seed
written, printed, graphic, or electronic No person shall distribute an adulterated
communication used in promoting the sale fertilizer. [Uniform State Fertilizer Bill
of such fertilizer. [AAPFCO Uniform State Section 13]
Fertilizer Bill, Section 4(o)] (Revised 2016)

10
 Label 2: A Fertilizer Label with Additional Claims

SuperGro
Super Supreme
Brand Name
12-4-9
Grade
Statement GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Total Nitrogen (N)…………………………....12%
4%....Other Water Soluble Nitrogen
8%....Water Insoluble Nitrogen
Guaranteed Analysis Available Phosphate (P2O5)* ........................ 4%
Soluble Potash (K2O)……………………..….9%
Calcium (Ca)………………………..…………1%
Magnesium (Mg)…………………………....0.5%
0.5%....Water Soluble Magnesium
Sulfur (S)…………………………………..…..1%
1%....Combined Sulfur
Boron (B)……………………………………0.02%
Chlorine (Cl) …………………………………0.1%
Cobalt (Co)……………………………...0.0005%
Copper (Cu)………………………………..0.05%
Iron (Fe)……………………………………...0.1%
Manganese (Mn) .......................................0.05%
Molybdenum (Mo)………………………0.0005%
Nickel (Ni)…………………………………0.001%
Sodium (Na)………………………………....0.1%
Zinc (Zn)…………………………………….0.05%

Derived from Derived from….

Statement
*2% Slowly available phosphate from bone meal.
Slow Release
Guaranteed Analysis
Guarantee Soil Amending Ingredients
Humic acid…………………….6%
Soil Amendment Total Other Ingredients…………..94%
Guarantee
Purpose statement: ……….
Purpose Statement
Directions for use: ………..
Directions
for Use WARNING: This fertilizer carries added
Warning Statement Boron and is intended for use only on
directed crops. Its use on other crops or
Name and mailing under conditions other than those
address of recommended may result in serious crop
registrant, injury. (Refer to Appendix A)
distributor or Farm Co-op
Netmanufacturer.
Weight or Hwy 1, Box 7
Volume. Centerville, Any State Zip Code
Phone Number

Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

11
 • For facilities with an annual
Bulk Compost production of more than 17,501 tons
of compost, testing frequency must
Rules and Regulations for bulk be at least once per month.
(unpackaged) compost are in addition to the [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk
Uniform State Fertilizer Bill. States are Compost, Section 1(b)]
encouraged to add the Rules and
Regulations for Bulk Compost to their State Bulk compost is unpackaged compost.
Fertilizer Bill. If added, these Rules and [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk
Regulations should be inserted after Compost 1(c)]
AAPFCO Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, Rules
and Regulations – Fertilizer 2(i). Compost is a biologically stable material
derived from the composting process.
Bulk compost claiming to contain nutrients [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk
must be registered as fertilizers. Compost 1(d)]

Packaged composts are regulated under Composting is the biological decomposition

the Uniform Soil Amendment Bill. of organic matter by mixing and piling in
such a way to promote aerobic and/or
Compost registered as a fertilizer is exempt anaerobic decay. The process inhibits
from registration under the Soil Amendment pathogens, viable weed seeds and odors.
Bill. [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk
Compost 1(e)]
Definitions
Feedstock is source material used to
Annual Production means the quantity of produce a compost. [AAPFCO Rules and
compost produced by a composting facility. Regulations–Bulk Compost 1(f)]
[AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk
Compost 1(a)] Lot means an identifiable quantity of
compost that can be sampled officially up to
Batch means a specified volume or quantity and including a freight car load or 50 tons
of compost. The term “batch” may mean: maximum, or that amount contained in a
(1) the volume of a windrow or stockpile, or single vehicle, or that amount delivered
(2) the compost produced within a certain under a single invoice. [AAPFCO Rules
period of time, determined by the and Regulations–Bulk Compost 1(g)]
testing frequency. This frequency is
determined by the production volume of Quantity Statement means net weight or net
the facility. volume. [AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–
Bulk Compost 1(h)]
• For facilities with an annual
production of 1-6,250 tons of Label Requirements
compost, testing frequency must be
no less than once per quarter. When a bulk compost product is registered
under the Uniform State Fertilizer Bill the
• For facilities with an annual product label must include:
production of 6,251-17,500 tons of • net weight
compost, testing frequency must be • a list of the feedstocks used to make the
no less than once per two (2) product,
months. • nutrient guarantees, and
• a list of the sources of the nutrients.

12
Net Weight compost is sold as a specialty or
The label of a bulk compost must include a agricultural fertilizer. [AAPFCO Rules
statement of the net weight. Quantity and Regulations–Bulk Compost 4]
statements based on volume may be used
only if: Sources of Nutrients
• A weight conversion is provided When shown on the label, the sources of
elsewhere on the product label (e.g., 2 nutrients shall be listed below the completed
cubic yards = 1 ton); or guaranteed analysis statement. The
• A weight scale ticket accompanies statement shall include any additional
delivery and is supplied to the purchaser sources of nutrients that have been added
at time of delivery. [AAPFCO Rules and to the compost. [AAPFCO Rules and
Regulations–Bulk Compost 2] Regulations–Bulk Compost 6]

List of Feedstocks Product Claims

The label must contain a list of feedstock
from which the compost was derived. Compost labels and labeling may state the
[AAPFCO Rules and Regulations–Bulk product is intended solely for use of one or
Compost 5] more of the following purposes without
registration as a fertilizer:
Nutrient Guarantees a. Improves soil structure and porosity –
a. Bulk compost registered as a fertilizer creating a better plant root
must include nutrient guarantees. These environment;
guarantees must be made on a wet (“as b. Increase moisture infiltration and
is”) basis. However, for compost stored in permeability, and reduces bulk density
environmental conditions that may result of heavy soils – improving moisture
in variable moisture content in the infiltration rates and reducing erosion
compost, guarantees may be determined and runoff;
and guaranteed at a specific moisture c. Improves the moisture holding capacity
level, provided that the moisture value of light soils – reducing water loss and
shall be stated on the label. Provided that nutrient leaching, and improving
the _____ (lab) determines the moisture moisture retention;
level to be in excess of the stated value, d. Improves the cation exchange capacity
the nutrient guarantees shall be adjusted (CEC) of soils;
accordingly. e. Supplies organic matter;
b. Each batch of bulk compost may be f. Aids the proliferation of soil
tested for nutrient content and such test microorganisms;
results may constitute a guarantee: g. Supplies beneficial microorganisms to
(1.) Except that Total Phosphate (P2O5) soils and growing media;
may be guaranteed in addition to h. Encourages vigorous root growth;
Available Phosphate (P2O5) and Total i. Allows plants to more effectively utilize
Potash (K2O) may be guaranteed in nutrients, while reducing nutrient loss
addition to Soluble Potash (K2O); by leaching;
(2.) And such test results shall j. Enables soils to retain nutrients longer;
accompany each batch of bulk k. Contains humus – assisting in soil
compost. aggregation and making nutrients more
c. Guarantees for Total Nitrogen (N), available for plant uptake;
Available Phosphate (P2O5), Total l. Buffers soil pH. [AAPFCO Rules and
Phosphate (P2O5), Soluble Potash (K2O) Regulations–Bulk Compost 3]
and Total Potash (K2O) may be
guaranteed in fractional units of less than
one percent, regardless if whether the

13
 Label 3: Basic Elements of a Bulk Compost Label

Brand Name
Grower’s Bulk Compost
0.2-0.2-0.3
Guaranteed
Guaranteed Analysis
Total Nitrogen (N)……………………….0.2%
Analysis
Available Phosphate (P2O5)……………0.2%
Total Phosphate (P2O5)…………….…..0.6%
Soluble Potash (K2O) ……………….….0.3%
Total Potash (K2O)………………….…..0.5%
Source of nutrients
Nutrients from composted poultry litter, wheat
Feedstock straw, and sulfate of potash.
statement
Compost feedstock of poultry litter and wheat
straw.
Product claims
This product improves soil structure and porosity and
aids the proliferation of soil microorganisms.
Name and mailing
address of
registrant, Farm Co-op
distributor or Hwy 1, Box 7
manufacturer. Centerville, Any State Zip Code
Phone Number

Net Weight or Net Weight – 5 ton

Volume. or
See bulk scale ticket

If no plant nutrients are guaranteed, see

Soil and Plant Amendment section.

14
Horticultural Growing Label Requirements

Media A horticultural growing media product label

must include:
Rules and Regulations for horticultural • The brand or product name as
growing media (HGM) are an addition to the registered.
Uniform State Fertilizer Bill. States may • The volume of the product in quarts,
choose to add the Rules and Regulations cubic feet, yards, and metric
for HGM to their State Fertilizer Bill. If volumes, or the weight of the
added, these Rules and Regulations should product in ounces, pounds, and
be inserted after AAPFCO Uniform State metric weights, as registered.
Fertilizer Bill, Rules and Regulations. • A list of all physical components,
whether organic or inorganic, must
Horticultural Growing Media products be listed in order of decreasing
claiming to contain nutrients may need amount by volume if they comprise
registered as fertilizers. at least 3% or more of total volume
of the product.
• Intended use statements such as
Definitions general recommendations for
Aged means exposed to weathering and/or
product use. If cautionary warnings
natural decay.
or uses not recommended are
made, they should be stated in this
Brand or Product Name is a specific
section of the label.
designation applied to an individual
• General fertilization
horticultural growing medium.
recommendations for use with the
product. An acceptable minimum
Processed means deliberately treated or
recommendation would indicate at
manipulated to modify or transform physical,
what time after planting the product
chemical or biological characteristics of the
required the addition of fertilizer,
natural state of the substance.
whether the product required the
addition of fertilizer, or recognize
Raw means in the natural state, and not
product as not being a fertilizer and
prepared, modified or manipulated for use.
contains minimum nutrients to
sustain initial plant growth.
Registration Document is the information
required by the _____ for registering a • An address where further product
horticultural growing medium for distribution information may be obtained and a
into or with (State). The Registration telephone number available during
Document may be made available by the normal business hours for further
registrant to the purchaser upon request, product information.
but shall not be part of the product label or • For products intended for use by
labeling. commercial growers, the date of
manufacture, or the month and year
Wood is the hard, fibrous material located of manufacture, stated at any
beneath the bark, which constitutes the location on the bag. If the date or
greatest part of the stems of trees and month and year of manufacture is
shrubs. coded, sufficient information must be
provided to determine the date or
month and year of manufacture
from the code.

15
Description of the Physical HGM Verification of Label Claims
Components Document
• Bark products should be described The first time a product is registered, a
as raw, aged, processed, or verification of label claims document must
composted. Bark should also be be provided by the registrant for each
specified as pine or softwood or named horticulture growing medium. This
hardwood, and may include no more document is to be submitted along with the
than 15% wood by volume. registration. Subsequent registrations of the
• Peat Products should be described same approved medium do not require the
in accordance with ASTM standards re-submission of the label claim verification
as to whether they are sphagnum, document. The purpose of the document is
hypnum, reed-sedge, humus, or to show, in a practical as opposed to a
other peat. theoretical way, the verification of label
• Wood Products should be described claims.
as raw, aged, processed, or
composted.
• Readily degradable organic
substances should be listed and
described as raw, aged, processed
or composted.
• The base material(s) for any other
composted product should be
described or listed.

Exemptions
• HGM planted with live plant material
• Custom media prepared for a single
end user
• HGM containing less than 3% plant
nutrients

16
Label 4: Basic Elements of a
Horticultural Growing Media Label

Brand Name SuperGo

Horticultural Growing Media

Intended Use All-Purpose Potting Soil

Physical Components Components: 45-55% sphagnum peat moss,

peat humus, coir, earthworm castings and
limestone.
Directions/
General Fertilization Directions for use: Place soil in pots or
Recommendations containers. Plant seeds or live plants at
recommended depth. Add supplemental
fertilizer as needed. Refer to plant tag or
seed packet for further directions.

For Commercial
Growers, the October 2017
Date of Manufacture

Name and Mailing address

of registrant, distributor,
Farm Co-op
or manufacturer. Hwy 1, Box 7
Centerville, Any State
Phone Number
Net Volume

Net Contents 2 CU FT (56.6 L)

17
 • Guaranteed Analysis –
Soil Amending Ingredients
Soil and Plant “name of ingredient”….__%
Amendments (identify and list all)
Total Other Ingredients...__%
• Purpose of Product
Both soil amendments and plant
• Directions for Application
amendments are included in the AAPFCO
Uniform Soil Amendment Bill and Rules and • Name and Address of Registrant
Regulations. [Uniform Soil Amendment Bill, Section 4(a)]
For an example of how a soil amendment
label might appear, please see Sample
Definitions Label 5 (page 21).
Soil amendment. Any substance, or a For bulk shipments, this information must
mixture of substances, intended to improve accompany the delivery as a written or
the physical, chemical, biochemical, printed form and shall be supplied to the
biological or other characteristics of the soil, purchaser at the time of delivery. [Uniform
except fertilizers, agricultural liming Soil Amendment Bill, Section 4(a)]
materials, unmanipulated animal manures,
unmanipulated vegetable manures, No information or statement shall appear on
pesticides and other material exempted any package, label, delivery slip, or
from regulation. [Uniform Soil Amendment advertising material which is false or
Bill Section 3(a) and T-91] (See Sample misleading to the purchaser as to the use,
Label 5, page 21) value, quality, analysis, type or composition
of the soil amendment. [Uniform Soil
Plant amendment. Any substance applied Amendment Bill, Section 4(b)]
to plants or seeds which is intended to
improve growth, yield, product quality, The state may require proof of claims for
reproduction, flavor or other desirable any soil amendment. If no claims are made
characteristics of plants, except fertilizer, the State may require proof of usefulness
soil amendments, agricultural liming and value of the soil amendment. [Uniform
materials, animal and vegetable manures, Soil Amendment Bill, Section 4(c)]
pesticides, plant regulators and other
materials that may be exempted from No soil amending ingredient may be listed
regulation. [Uniform Soil Amendment Bill or guaranteed on labels or labeling without
Section 16, Note No. 4 and T-93] An the permission of the state agency
example would be a microbial inoculum for responsible for the registration or licensing
legumes (see Sample Label 10, page 26). of soil amendments. [Uniform Soil
Amendment Bill, Section 4(d)]
Label Requirements
For soil amendments, the state agency
All soil amendment labels must have six responsible for the registration or licensing
basic elements: of soil amendments may allow labeling by
volume rather than weight. [Uniform Soil
• Net Weight - the weight of the material
Amendment Bill, Section 4(e)]
as offered for sale.
• Brand Name – the term, designation, When soil amending ingredients are
trade mark, product name or other claimed, all ingredients not listed by identity
specific designation under which and amount are considered as other
individual soil amendments are offered ingredients, as shown in Sample Label 5
for sale. (page 21).

18
When an ingredient statement is used it Each separately identified product shall be
means a collective and continuous listing of registered before being distributed in the
the ingredients of which the soil amendment State. [Uniform Soil Amendment Bill
is composed. Such ingredients shall be Section 5]
listed in descending order by their
predominance by volume or weight as Labeling and Misbranding
appropriate in non-quantitative terms.
[Rules and Regulations – Soil Amendments Labeling means any advertising,
1(c)] Sample Label 6 (page 22) promotional, or promotion of any fertilizer
In lieu of a guarantee expressed as a including but not limited to all written,
percentage, a product that claims the printed, graphic, or electronic
presence of a microbe(s) shall guarantee communication used in promoting the sale
the microbe(s) as follows: of such soil or plant amendment. [Uniform
• Minimum number of each claimed Soil Amendment Bill Section 3 (i)]
viable organism at the genus and
species level in colony forming units It can be attached to the product,
(CFU), spores, or propagules per gram accompany the product, or be entirely
or milliliter (cm3). separate from the product.
• Expiration date.
If labeling is false or misleading in any
• Storage and handling instructions.
particular way, the product is considered as
[Rules and Regulations-Soil Amendment
misbranded. If the contents, ingredients,
2(d)]. Sample Labels 8 and 9 (pages 24
name, grade or claims on a product label do
and 25).
not match the registered label, the product
Registrants of products that contain live is misbranded. [Uniform Soil Amendment
microorganism(s) as active ingredients shall Bill Section 9].
provide proof of the taxonomic identity of
the organism(s) to the genus and species No person shall distribute a misbranded soil
level and provide strain when known. amendment. [Uniform Soil Amendment Bill
Microorganisms that are listed as Risk Section 9]
Group Level 2 by the American Biological
Safety Association (ABSA) on at least 3 of 9 Additional Notes—The Federal Trade
reporting agencies or Biosafety Level 2 as Commission (FTC) requires that any claims
defined by the American Type Culture made in product advertising must:
Collection (ATCC) shall include the • be truthful and non-deceptive, and
following precautionary statement on the • have evidence to back up any claims,
label UNLESS sufficient safety information prior to making the claim.
is provided by the registrant to waive the
requirement or elements specified therein: The simple rule to avoid misbranding:
“This product contains live microorganisms If you claim it,
and may cause adverse effects to persons you must guarantee it.
with a compromised immune system. Avoid
contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
Do not inhale product. Wear eye and skin
protection when handling. Wash hands
after using.” (AAPFCO Statements of
Uniform Interpretation and Policy 31) See
flowchart Evaluation Framework for
Products Containing Viable Microorganisms
(page 20)

19
Adulteration • adequate warning statements and
directions for use which are necessary
A soil amendment is adulterated if: for safe use are not shown on the label,
• it contains any harmful or deleterious • its composition is less than purported; or
substance in sufficient amounts to • it contains unwanted crop or weed seed.
render it injurious to beneficial plant life, [Uniform Soil Amendment Bill Section
humans, aquatic life, soil or water when 13]
applied as directed;

Products containing live microorganisms

as claimed active ingredients Evaluation Framework for Products
Containing Viable Microorganisms
Request the taxonomic identity of the organism(s)
(Genus, species and if known, strain)
No precautionary
Risk Group or Biosafety
statement or additional
Level 1
information required
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Determine the Risk Group Level/Biosafety level of
the microorganism as classified by the American Risk Group or Biosafety Deny registration or
Biological Safety Association (ABSA) Level 3 or higher request a complete risk
(http://www.absa.org/riskgroups/index.html) assessment and
or the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) mitigation measures
http://www.atcc.org/CulturesandProducts/Technic Risk Group or Biosafety
alSupport/BiosafetyLevels/tabid/660/Default.aspx
Level 2

This product contains live

microorganisms and may cause adverse
effects to persons with a compromised Require the standard Require substantiation from the
immune system. Avoid contact with precautionary registrant to waive the requirement
eyes, mouth, and broken skin. Do not statement as stated in OR for the precautionary statement or
inhale product. Wear eye and rule #
elements specified therein.
skin protection when handling. Wash
hands after using. 

SUBSTANTIATION CRITERIA:
Information is insufficient or • product formulation (liquid, powder, wettable powder, etc.)
unavailable • application method (foliar spray, in furrow, seed treatment etc
• use pattern (food crops, residential, agricultural use)
No precautionary • pathogenicity/allergenicity profile
statement is required or • toxin production potential (absence of toxin-producing plasmid)
an abbreviated form of the Information is sufficient • environmental fate and persistence of the organism
statement is acceptable • population level equal to or below the natural environment level

 The precautionary statement is not required to be used verbatim as long as the meaning and intent is reflected on the product

20
 Label 5: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment Label

SuperGro
Brand Name
Soil Perfector
Guaranteed Guaranteed Analysis
Analysis Soil Amending Ingredients
Name of ingredient……………………….x%
Name of ingredient……………………….x%
Total Other Ingredients ………………………x%
Purpose Statement
Purpose statement: This product is intended to
____________________.
Directions
for use Directions for use: …………………………

Name and mailing Farm Co-op

address of Hwy 1, Box 7
registrant, Centerville, Any State Zip Code
distributor or Phone Number
manufacturer

Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume

21
 Label 6: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment (Compost/Garden
Soil) Label

Brand Name
SuperGro
Garden Soil
Ingredient
Statement

Ingredients:

Purpose Statement Name of ingredient, Name of ingredient 2, Name of

Ingredient 3, Name of ingredient 4, etc. (in
descending order of volume or weight)

Purpose statement: This product is intended to

Directions ____________________.
for use
Directions for use: ………………………………...

Name and mailing

address of Farm Co-op
registrant, Hwy 1, Box 7
distributor or Centerville, Any State Zip Code
manufacturer Phone Number

Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume

22
 Label 7: Basic Elements of a Soil Amendment (Single
Ingredient) Label

SuperGro
Brand Name Perlite

Purpose Statement
Purpose statement: This product is intended to
____________________.

Directions Directions for use: …………………….

for use

Farm Co-op
Name and mailing Hwy 1, Box 7
address of Centerville, Any State Zip Code
registrant, Phone Number
distributor or
manufacturer

Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume

23
 Label 8: Basic Elements of a Microbial Soil Amendment Label
Colony Forming Unit (CFU) Guarantee

Brand Name
SuperGro
Microbe Perfector
Guaranteed Analysis
Soil Amending Ingredients
Guaranteed Genus species (minimum) X x 10x cfu/g
Analysis Genus species (minimum) X x 10x cfu/g

Purpose Purpose statement: This product is intended to

Statement ____________________.

Expiration date Expiration date: month/day/year

Directions for use Directions for use: ………………………….
Storage and
Storage and handling instructions: ……………………
handling
instructions
Farm Co-op
Name and Hwy 1, Box 7
mailing Centerville, Any State Zip Code
address of Phone Number
registrant,
distributor or
manufacturer Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume.

24
Label 9: Basic Elements of a Microbial Soil Amendment Label
Propagule Guarantee

Brand Name
SuperGro
Microbe Perfector
Guaranteed Analysis
Soil Amending Ingredients
Guaranteed Genus species (minimum) X propagules/g
Analysis Genus species (minimum) X propagules/g

Purpose Statement Purpose statement: This product is intended to

____________________.
Expiration date
Expiration date: month/day/year
Directions for use Directions for use: ………………………….
Storage and
Storage and handling instructions: ……………………
handling
instructions
Name and Farm Co-op
mailing Hwy 1, Box 7
address of Centerville, Any State Zip Code
registrant, Phone Number
distributor or
manufacturer
Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume.

25
 Label 10: Basic Elements of a Plant Amendment Label

SuperGro
Brand Name Plant Perfector

Guaranteed
Analysis Guaranteed Analysis
Plant Amending Ingredients
Name of ingredient x%
Name of ingredient x%
Total Other Ingredients x%
Purpose Statement Purpose statement: This product is intended to
____________________.

Directions Directions for use: …………………….

for use

Name and mailing Farm Co-op

address of Hwy 1, Box 7
registrant, Centerville, Any State Zip Code
distributor or Phone Number
manufacturer

Net Weight – 25 lb (11.33 kg)

Net Weight or
Volume

26
 Label 11: A Complete Fertilizer Label

Super Green
17-17-17
Guaranteed Analysis
Total Nitrogen (N) ....................................................... 17.00%
6.66% Ammoniacal Nitrogen
10.34% Urea Nitrogen*
Available Phosphate (P2O5)........................................ 17.00%
Soluble Potash (K2O) ................................................. 17.00%
Calcium (Ca) ............................................................... ..1.00%
Magnesium (Mg) ......................................................... ..0.50%
0.50% Water Soluble Magnesium (Mg)
Sulfur (S)..................................................................... ..1.00%
1.00% Combined Sulfur (S)
Boron (B) .................................................................... ..0.02%
Chlorine (Cl) ............................................................... ..0.10%
Cobalt (Co)……………………………………………..0.0005%
Copper (Cu) ................................................................ ..0.05%
0.05% Water Soluble Copper (Cu)
Iron (Fe) ...................................................................... ..0.10%
0.05% Chelated Iron (Fe)
0.05% Water Soluble Iron (Fe)
Manganese (Mn) ……………………………………..….0.05%
0.04% Water Soluble Manganese (Mn)
Molybdenum (Mo)……………………………………..0.0005%
Nickel (Ni) ………………………………………..…….0.0010%
Sodium (Na) ............................................................... ..0.10%
Zinc (Zn) ..................................................................... ..0.05%
0.05% Chelated Zinc (Zn)

Plant Nutrients derived from: Diammonium Phosphate, Urea, Sulfur Coated Urea, Muriate of
Potash, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, Ammonium Sulfate, Borax, Copper Amino Acid
Complex, Cobalt Sulfate, Iron Citrate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate,
Nickel Sulfate, and Zinc EDTA.

*3.4% Slowly available nitrogen from sulfur coated urea

CAUTION: This fertilizer is to be used only on soil which responds to Molybdenum (Mo). Crops
high in Molybdenum (Mo) are toxic to grazing animals (ruminants).

Directions For Use

Directions for use should include either:
• a general statement, (i.e. “Use in accordance with recommendations of a qualified
individual or institution, or according to an approved nutrient management plan”) or
• detailed directions, such as recommended application rate(s) in units of weight or volume
per unit of area coverage, and details of application timing and minimum intervals.

Registrant, Manufacturer, or Distributor Name

Mailing Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number

Net Weight-xxlb (xxKg)

27
 “Appendix A”
Globally Harmonized System Labeling

Products which must meet the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
requirements in accordance with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard
Communication Standards, may include the information required by OSHA on the fertilizer label. (AAPFCO
Statements of Uniform Interpretation and Policy 33)

“Appendix B”
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: I’m only going to sell my products via the internet. Does all of this labeling and registration stuff still apply?
A: Registration and labeling requirements still apply regardless of how the products are distributed.

Q: My product is organic (or “registered with OMRI,” or “only has GRAS ingredients,” or “is USDA Bio-based,”
etc.), so don’t need to register it, do I?
A: Yes, you do. Each of these programs has different purposes than fertilizer labeling and registration.
Products must also be registered in each state where they will be distributed.

Q: Can products be “Certified Organic?

A: No, products are not certified organic but the individual farms are certified organic and it is up to the
producer to use approved products for their certified farms.

Q: If my labels meet the guidelines in AAPFCO’s Uniform Fertilizer Bill are they ready for sale in all states?
A: No. AAPFCO guidelines are the basis for most state requirements, but individual states may have
additional requirements. It’s a good idea to have labels reviewed by each state where you plan to
sell the product before you print labels.

Q: Will you accept chelated instead of water soluble?

A: Some states require water soluble guarantees, so check with individual states for their specific
requirements.

Q: How are products registered?

A: Each state has specific rules for registration, renewals, and fees, so check with each individual state
for their specific registration process.

28