Worm Fertilizer Goes to Court

A San Diego businessman is locked in a battle with state regulators over his business of selling worm waste. Worm feces, also known as castings, are sold under the names Worm Gold, Worm Gold Plus and Tree Rescue Solution. The products are registered with the state as fertilizers that improve the soil and help plants grow.

But George Hahn got in trouble with the state because he also claimed that the products repel insects. Although the fertilizers are made from all-natural ingredients, that claim nevertheless caught the attention of the state Department of Pesticide Regulation.

The department said Hahn was selling an unregistered pesticide, in violation of state and federal law. Last year, it fined him $100,000 after a lengthy administrative proceeding.

He has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court arguing that the department is out of line. The worm products are not pesticides and should not require state registration, Hahn and his lawyers contend. The fine has been put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.

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