Missouri § 266.343 - Penalties for deficiency in fertilizer.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 266.343 — Penalties for deficiency in fertilizer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 266.343. Penalties for deficiency in fertilizer.
If any fertilizer offered for sale in this state shall upon official analysis prove deficient from its guarantee as stated on the bag or other container, penalties shall be assessed as follows:
(1) For a single ingredient fertilizer containing nitrogen or available phosphate or soluble potash:
(a) When the value of this ingredient is found to be deficient from the guarantee to the extent of three percent and not over five percent, the distributor shall be liable for the actual deficiency;
(b) When the deficiency exceeds five percent of the total value, the penalty shall be three times the actual value of the shortage;
(2) For multiple ingredient fertilizers containing two or more of the single ingredients: nitrogen or available phosphate or soluble potash, penalties shall be assessed according to (a), (b) or (c) as herein stated. When a multiple ingredient fertilizer is subject to a penalty under (a), (b) and (c) only the larger penalty shall be assessed.
(a) When the total combined values of the nitrogen or available phosphate or soluble potash is found to be deficient to the extent of three percent and not over five percent, the distributor shall be liable for the actual deficiency in total value.
(b) When the deficiency exceeds five percent of the total value, the penalty shall be three times the actual value of the shortage.
(c) When either the nitrogen, available phosphate or soluble potash value is found deficient from the guarantee to the extent of ten percent up to the maximum of two units (two percent plant food), the distributors shall be liable for the value of such shortages;
(3) Total penalties assessed upon a distributor shall not exceed five thousand dollars per calendar year or the amount of the current value of the plant food deficiency, whichever is greater. A distributor who knowingly violates the provisions of sections 266.291 to 266.351 shall be assessed a penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars for each offense.
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(L. 1959 H.B. 236 § 266.345, A.L. 1997 S.B. 179, A.L. 2016 S.B. 655)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2016 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 266.343
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 266.343 cover?
Section 266.343 ("Penalties for deficiency in fertilizer.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 266.343?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 266.343" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 266.343 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.