Ban synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to move to Organic Land Management (OLM) in city parks.

 

 

The purpose of this bill is to ban synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in city parks in the state of Minnesota to

create a cleaner environment.

 

 

When synthetic products are applied to the ground, they are absorbed into the soil to either prevent pests or stimulate

growth. However, when this happens, they seep into our water sources, causing various types of contamination, primarily

nitrate. Exposure to pesticides, especially in young children, can lead to pesticide poisoning, which in some cases can

have chronic effects. The Minnesota Department of Health states that 45% pesticide poisoning calls were received from

children under 5. On the other hand, synthetic fertilizers can contain traces of heavy metals and toxic chemicals such

as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Contact with these elements, even in small traces, can be a cause of cancer,

cardiovascular disease, and developmental problems in children. There are alternatives, such as essential oils or neem

seed oil. These are nontoxic and are also a natural bug repellent that doesn't harm helpful organisms. Using any type of

compost or compost tea, which is made from animal and plant matter, as fertilizer is also a natural alternative. Rose

Kennedy Park in New York City uses an OLM system. The National Parks and Recreation Association states that they have

had 50% fewer fertilizer placements. Alternatives to synthetic pesticides include: Passing this bill will make our

environment safer and longer lasting for future generations.

 

 

Green Fertilizer Grant Program: This program provides funding to cooperatives for building green fertilizer production

facilities, not for cities to use them. It could indirectly support the development of natural fertilizers that cities

can later utilize.

Urban Agriculture Grant: This program from the MDA supports urban and peri-urban agriculture, including community

development and youth education. Local governments are eligible to apply for funding for materials and services related

to urban agriculture projects that may use natural fertilizers.

Synthetic fertilizers: chemically processed fertilizers made with potassium, nitrogen, ammonia, and other minerals to

give plants a short boost of nutrients.

Synthetic pesticides: chemically manufactured pesticides made using chemical compounds and alterations designed to kill

insects or weeds.

Organic Land Management (OLM): A sustainable system for managing land without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or

GMOs. It emphasizes enhancing natural processes to create a natural balance.

Cardiovascular diseases: diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

City parks: A designated space within an urban area that is managed by local government for recreation and enjoyment.

 

Grants such as the green fertilizer grant program, the Urban Agriculture Grant, and many other state grants to preserve

our environment. A 12% tax on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to create another source of funding and encourage

more homeowners to also switch to OLM.

 

 

The way this would be enforced is that each year, a city will fill out paperwork giving the types of organic fertilizing

they did, when they did it, and how much it would cost. Depending on how much cities do each year, they could become

more eligible for grants/more money from the state to further their program. If such paperwork is falsified by a city

and is caught, there will be a $200,000 first offense fine,$250,000 second offense, and $300,000 third offense. If the

problem persists, they will keep paying $300,000 annually and will be unable to apply for grants the next year.

 

May 1st, 2026