Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF
1) Pesticide Regulation and Licensing (Title 21, NAC)
Case: Pesticide Applicator Licensing
The Department regulates individuals and businesses applying pesticides:
Individuals must complete training and certification before applying restricted-use pesticides.
Commercial applicators must hold a valid license issued by the Department, which includes passing exams and meeting experience requirements.
Licenses are renewed periodically with continuing education.
Purpose: Ensures that pesticides are applied safely, minimizing risk to humans, animals, and the environment.
Case: Recordkeeping and Reporting
Licensed applicators must maintain detailed records:
Date, location, type, and amount of pesticide applied.
Customer or landowner information.
Reports must be submitted to the Department upon request.
This ensures transparency, compliance, and traceability for public and environmental safety.
2) Animal Health and Livestock Regulations (Title 9, NAC)
Case: Livestock Movement and Inspection
The Department regulates the movement of livestock to prevent disease outbreaks:
Animals must meet health requirements before transportation across county or state lines.
Certificates of veterinary inspection may be required for sale or exhibition.
Example: A cattle shipment from a Nebraska farm to another state must include health certification showing no evidence of contagious disease.
Case: Disease Control Programs
The Department manages programs for diseases such as:
Bovine Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Avian Influenza.
Quarantine and testing protocols may be enforced for affected farms.
Owners are notified of results and may be required to take corrective measures, including vaccination or culling.
This protects both livestock and the economic stability of the agricultural industry.
3) Grain Warehouse and Commodity Regulations (Title 53, NAC)
Case: Grain Warehouse Licensing
Entities storing grain for resale or handling public grain must be licensed:
Licensees must maintain financial records and bonding to protect depositors.
Inspections ensure that grain storage and handling meet safety and quality standards.
Purpose: Protects farmers and buyers from financial loss due to warehouse mismanagement or fraud.
Case: Commodity Inspection
The Department inspects agricultural commodities for quality:
Grain, seeds, and other products are sampled for moisture content, weight, and purity.
Non-compliant products may be rejected or corrected before sale.
This maintains market integrity and protects consumers and producers alike.
4) Plant Protection and Nursery Regulations (Title 21, NAC)
Case: Nursery Stock Licensing
Nurseries selling plants, trees, or shrubs must be licensed:
Inspections ensure plants are free from pests, disease, and invasive species.
Records of plant sources and sales must be maintained.
Purpose: Prevents the introduction and spread of plant pests that could harm Nebraska agriculture.
Case: Quarantine of Diseased Plants
The Department may place quarantines on areas or shipments:
Certain plant species or materials may be restricted from sale or transport if infected.
Compliance ensures that outbreaks are contained and do not threaten crops statewide.
This safeguards both commercial agriculture and home gardeners.
5) Dairy and Food Safety Regulations (Title 21, NAC)
Case: Dairy Plant Licensing
All dairy processing facilities must be licensed:
Licenses are contingent on meeting sanitary and safety standards.
Facilities are inspected for equipment cleanliness, milk handling, and storage temperatures.
Example: A creamery producing cheese for sale must undergo regular inspections to ensure products are free of contaminants.
Case: Food Safety Compliance
The Department enforces rules for food labeling, storage, and processing:
Products must meet standards for composition, packaging, and expiration.
Violations may result in fines, product recalls, or closure until compliance is achieved.
This protects public health and ensures confidence in Nebraska agricultural products.
6) Commodity Grading and Certification (Title 53, NAC)
Case: Grain and Seed Certification
The Department certifies grains and seeds for:
Variety purity.
Germination rates and moisture content.
Pest and disease-free status.
Purpose: Certification allows Nebraska farmers to sell high-quality products nationally and internationally, enhancing market competitiveness.
Case: Labeling Requirements
Certified products must carry labels indicating:
Variety, lot number, origin, and quality grade.
Compliance is verified through random inspections and testing.
This ensures transparency and accountability in agricultural commerce.
7) Agricultural Marketing and Promotion (Title 21, NAC)
Case: Nebraska Grown Program
The Department administers programs to promote Nebraska products:
Producers may display a “Nebraska Grown” logo to increase consumer awareness.
Participation requires compliance with production and labeling standards.
Case: Marketing Grants
The Department may provide grants to:
Support local agricultural events, farmer’s markets, and promotional campaigns.
Increase visibility and economic value of Nebraska agriculture products.
These initiatives help farmers reach more customers and stimulate local economies.
Summary
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture regulations cover:
Pesticide regulation and licensing – safe application, recordkeeping, and training.
Animal health and livestock movement – disease prevention, inspections, and quarantine.
Grain warehouse and commodity regulations – licensing, inspection, and quality control.
Plant protection and nursery licensing – preventing pests and maintaining plant health.
Dairy and food safety – facility licensing, inspections, and compliance.
Commodity grading and certification – seed and grain quality, labeling, and market assurance.
Agricultural marketing and promotion – “Nebraska Grown” program and grant support.
These provisions ensure that Nebraska’s agriculture is safe, high-quality, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable, while protecting consumers, farmers, and livestock.
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