Division of Regulatory Services

The Division of Regulatory Services mission is to assure regulatory compliance in the marketing of certain farm products and agricultural commodities; to help promote market opportunities and accuracy and quality of agricultural and horticultural products.

The two main vehicles to assure compliance include product label reviews during the registration process, and on-site product inspections. The Division of Regulatory Services has specific laws governing products distributed in New Hampshire to include: feed, including pet food, fertilizer, lime, horticultural growing media, and seed. These products must be registered annually prior to distribution in the state. The Division provides inspection services for farm products including apples, cider, eggs, potatoes, honey, and maple products. As a means to promote high quality agricultural products in the state, the division oversees the Seal of Quality program. They also administers the state laws relative to the labeling of farm products identified as "Local" or "Native".

Additionally, the Division of Regulatory Services holds cooperative agreements with the federal government to verify standards are being met in New Hampshire for the following two programs: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).

Protecting New Hampshire's water and soil resources is an important objective of the department. Agriculture Inspectors monitor Agricultural Lands Preservation (ALP) properties to assure that deed restrictions are being followed. Pursuant to RSA 431:33-35 the agriculture inspectors investigate complaints of improper handling of manure, agricultural compost, and commercial fertilizer. Recommendations are based on the Manual of Best Management Practices for Agriculture in New Hampshire, published by the department in consultation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and UNH Cooperative Extension. For the past several years, the department has been able to provide farmers with financial assistance with implementing Best Management Practices through a small agricultural nutrient management grant program.