cglen, Author at The Fertilizer Institute

TFI Applauds Trump Action on Fertilizers

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised President Donald Trump for signing an Executive Order (EO) that continues his long-standing recognition for the importance of fertilizers to farmers and the overall U.S. agriculture economy.

The President’s action ensures that Canadian and Mexican imports of fertilizers meeting USMCA preference status will be subject to no duty while this round of tariffs remains in effect. Additionally, the EO further establishes that potash imports from Canada and Mexico lacking USMCA preference status will be subject to a reduced import tariff of 10 percent.

President Trump’s EO is an important step forward to ensuring a stable and affordable supply of fertilizers which are critical to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices in check.

“President Trump has long been supportive of U.S. farmers and rural communities,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “As the important spring planting season kicks off on farms around the country, the President’s recognition of the critical nature of fertilizers will ensure growers have access to the vital crop nutrients that make possible bountiful harvests and profitable grower operations. We look forward to continuing our work with the Administration to make the U.S. fertilizer industry and American agriculture the most productive in the world.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

TFI Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Showcasing Industry Progress

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has released its latest sustainability report, highlighting continued progress in key areas such as workforce safety, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and industry innovation. The data reflects operations from 2023 and underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices that drive both productivity and environmental stewardship.

“The fertilizer industry is essential to feeding a growing global population, and sustainability remains at the core of our mission,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “From decarbonizing production to improving nutrient use efficiency on the farm, our industry is committed to reducing environmental impacts while enhancing agricultural productivity.”

Since 2013, TFI has tracked key sustainability metrics, offering insights into the industry’s advancements in safety, security, sustainability, and efficiency. This year’s report includes compelling member stories and real-world examples of innovation shaping the future of fertilizer production and application.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:

Energy Efficiency: reporting companies captured 102.1 million GJ of waste heat, equivalent to 100% of the total energy use reported by all participating producers.
Water Stewardship: reporting companies recycled or reused 161.6 billion gallons of water, equivalent to the annual drinking water needs of about 885 million people.
Reducing Emissions: reporting companies captured 10.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
Investing in Efficiency: reporting companies had a three-year average of investing $1.26 billion annually, helping to meet sustainability goals by increasing production efficiencies, reducing energy and water use, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To explore the full report and read member success stories, click here.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Applauds Confirmation of USDA Secretary Rollins

Arlington, VA – Following the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement:

“TFI and the fertilizer industry congratulate Secretary Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She has a proven track record of leadership and policy expertise that will serve the agricultural sector well as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead. Secretary Rollins’ personal connection to agriculture and her professional achievements ensure she will hit the ground running as a strong advocate for farmers, ranchers, and the agribusiness community; and her leadership, vision, and dedication to agriculture will undoubtably drive progress and innovation at the USDA.

“TFI looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins to strengthen American agriculture and meet head-on the challenges facing our industry as we continue to provide the nutrients that feed, fuel, and clothe a growing world.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI Welcomes Announcement of Tariff Delay

Arlington, VA – Following the announcement by President Donald Trump to place a pause on tariffs for Canadian imports, including fertilizer that is essential to successful harvests and affordable food for American families, The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement:

“The Fertilizer Institute welcomes the announcement from the Trump Administration to pause tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. Open markets and fair competition are integral to the continued success of the US agricultural sector and vital for fertilizer markets to provide the crop nutrients necessary to feed a growing world. TFI remains committed to working with the Trump Administration on solutions that make possible bountiful harvests through profitable grower operations and the sustainable production and use of fertilizers.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst.

Statement on Trump Announcement of Tariffs

Arlington, VA – Following the announcement by President Donald Trump to place a tariff on Canadian imports, including fertilizer that is essential to successful harvests and affordable food for American families, The Fertilizer Institute President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement:

“The Fertilizer Institute stands ready to collaborate with the Trump Administration to spur growth in the fertilizer industry, support U.S. agriculture, and ensure affordable food prices for everyday Americans. Ensuring stable, affordable access to fertilizers is critical to maintaining a globally competitive U.S. agricultural sector, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices affordable for hard working American families.

“However, given their effects on the broader farm economy, TFI urges the Trump Administration to exempt Canadian potash and other fertilizers from the tariff order, especially as we approach the critical time of spring planting where nutrient delivery and application are essential for the harvests that fill American’s dinner tables with abundant and affordable food.

“The U.S. relies on imports for over 95% of its potash fertilizer needs, with nearly 90% of that coming from Canada. Canada also supplies U.S. growers with over 8% of our nitrogen fertilizer needs, accounting for 25% of U.S. nitrogen fertilizer imports.

“Potash, a vital source of crop nutrition essential for the health and productivity of U.S. agriculture, is a geographically limited resource produced by only a handful of countries worldwide. While the U.S. produced roughly 400,000 metric tons of potash in 2023, domestic potash consumption that year was approximately 5.3 million metric tons. No substitutes exist for potash as an essential plant nutrient.

“U.S. agriculture is benefited by a strong trade relationship with Canada that provides farmers with reliable access to essential crop nutrients. An open, fair, predictable, and transparent trading environment is vital to the continued growth of a resilient, competitive, and sustainable fertilizer industry for our farmer customers. Any disruption to the intertwined and mutually beneficial cross-border fertilizer trade between the U.S. and Canada will have significant ripple effects, not just for farmers but for the broader food supply chain and ultimately the prices consumers pay at the grocery store.

“TFI recognizes that today’s announcement is tied back to larger policy goals, and we remain committed to working closely with the Administration across several key areas. As a related point, including both phosphate and potash on the U.S. Geological Survey’s List of Critical Minerals would be a decisive step in bolstering domestic supplies of fertilizer for U.S. growers.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst.

EPA’s Final Risk Evaluation for Formaldehyde Threatens US Agriculture and Food Security

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today expressed concern following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) completion of the final risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), saying that while EPA made several important changes the highly criticized risk evaluation still threatens U.S. agriculture and food security due to potentially limiting the essential role formaldehyde plays in the chemistry of widely used fertilizers.

“EPA’s final TSCA risk evaluation includes several important adjustments but still highlights a continued failure to meet statutory requirements regarding scientific quality, peer review, and meaningful consideration of public and interagency input,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “While TSCA requires chemical review and regulations to be based on the best available science, the EPA is finalizing this evaluation relying on a flawed assessment by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program that falls short of scientific integrity standards and lacks needed transparency. Rather than moving forward with questionable actions, the EPA should revisit the scientific foundation of its formaldehyde evaluation to avoid undermining the U.S. economy and food security.”

The Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, and EPA-selected peer reviewers have voiced concerns with the rushed timeline, scientific pitfalls, and harmful consequences of a substandard risk evaluation. Dismissing these concerns could lead to unnecessarily restrictive regulation of this essential chemistry, weakening the U.S. economy and increasing foreign dependence.

“A high-quality and scientifically rigorous risk evaluation is of great importance to U.S. fertilizer manufacturers and farmers,” said Rosenbusch, noting that formaldehyde chemistry is essential for the production of granulated urea, which accounts for over 25% of the nitrogen consumed domestically. “Formaldehyde chemistry is also needed to manufacture slow-release urea products that maximize nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental losses.”

Notwithstanding minor improvements, EPA’s final risk evaluation concludes nearly all conditions of use, including fertilizer manufacturing and commercial use of fertilizer products (i.e. grower handling and application of urea), contribute to ‘unreasonable risk’ under TSCA, meaning formaldehyde production and downstream applications in fertilizer manufacturing and use could face difficult-to-meet restrictions.

“Not only is EPA’s suggested starting point for workplace limits inconsistent with the best available science, it disregards the existing measures that protect workers, such as the use of personal protection equipment. These workplace limits are significantly lower and out of line with recently updated standards from international regulators,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We will continue working to inform EPA on how formaldehyde is essential for U.S. agriculture and sharing the substantial scientific evidence supporting the safe use of formaldehyde.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

The Fertilizer Institute Announces First-of-Its-Kind Third Party Ammonia Production Carbon Intensity Verification Program

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the launch of the Verified Ammonia Carbon Intensity (VACI) program, a voluntary certification of the carbon footprint of ammonia production at a specific facility. VACI is the first program of its kind and is designed to provide ammonia consumers seeking to reduce emissions across their supply chains with an independent and certifiable carbon intensity score.

The VACI certification framework standardizes the approach for calculating the carbon intensity of ammonia encompassing all aspects of ammonia manufacturing, from feedstock production through the finished product at the plant gate. Producers will use the VACI standard to calculate the carbon intensity of ammonia produced at their facilities. An independent, third-party auditor will then verify or validate that the carbon intensity score is accurate.

“Ammonia is a critical input for agriculture, NOx emissions control, and many commercial products, including fabric, paper, and pharmaceuticals,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “As agriculture and other industries increasingly look to develop more sustainable and resilient supply chains, the Verified Ammonia Carbon Intensity program provides ammonia consumers with certifiable transparency that will allow them to quantify the positive impact using low-carbon ammonia has on their greenhouse gas emissions footprint.”

Ammonia, which has a chemical composition of NH₃, is one of the most widely produced industrial chemicals in the world. Ammonia production, which typically uses natural gas as a feedstock for its hydrogen component, is an energy-intensive process with substantial carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions as a byproduct of the production process. Many ammonia producers in the United States are investing in technologies to dramatically reduce CO₂ emissions from ammonia production. VACI enables producers to document the varying levels of emissions reduction these technologies provide.

The VACI program was developed by TFI in collaboration with technical industry experts from CF Industries, LSB, Nutrien, OCI, and Yara, and guided by Hinicio, a leading strategic and technical consulting firm specializing in hydrogen and its derivatives and industrial decarbonization. The standard is aligned with International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission standards ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14064, and ISO 14067. Facilities certified under the program include Nutrien Redwater and CF Industries Donaldsonville with audits that have been completed by SCV Consulting Ltd. and TÜV SÜD America, Inc. Audits for LSB Industries El Dorado and CVR Energy’s Coffeyville facilities are in progress.

VACI is initiating a 60-day public consultation period for ammonia consumers and stakeholders to provide feedback on the program and its methodology via this survey. VACI intends to refine the program based on comments received.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

TFI: WRDA Reauthorization and Cost-Share Update will Spur Needed Development

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applauds Congress for passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, a key piece of legislation related to our nation’s water infrastructure, and for updating the cost-share structure to bring more general revenue dollars towards inland waterway projects.

“Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is critical to agriculture and rural America’s competitive advantage in world markets, and WRDA provides vital support for that network,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “WRDA is the foundation for the modernization of our nation’s inland waterways and ports, which are an integral component of the fertilizer distribution system.”

Of particular importance, this year’s WRDA reauthorization updates the cost-share structure for inland waterway lock and dam construction projects so that 75% of funding will now come from the general fund with the remaining 25% coming from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. The previous 65% – 35% split artificially limited the funding Congress could provide to these projects each year, and with the change an additional $1.4 billion in funding could be available over a ten-year period.

“Increasing the general fund portion of the cost-share structure will promote much needed investment for inland navigation projects, as well as provide confidence to industry that much needed maintenance and modernization of our inland waterway system will happen,” Rosenbusch explained. “On a ton-mile basis, approximately one-fourth of fertilizer moves on the inland barge system and these projects are absolutely critical to the safe and efficient distribution of fertilizers.”

Rosenbusch noted that addressing the maintenance backlog, estimated at billions of dollars, is an investment in our nation’s future, saying that well-maintained waterways enable the fertilizer industry to transport goods quickly and reliably, ensuring farmers receive supplies on time.

“Delays caused by outdated components of the system are not only disastrous for the farmers who receive much of the almost 70 million tons of fertilizer each year via our nation’s waterways, they can also raise the prices of everyday goods and food for consumers,” Rosenbusch concluded. “The fertilizer industry appreciates the bipartisan work of Congressional leaders that have made modernization of our inland waterways a priority.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

Agriculture Industry Leaders Urge Congress to Support Farmers in Year-End Funding Bill

ARLINGTON, VA – Today, December 16, 2024, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) released the following joint statement:

“As Congressional leaders deliberate on a year-end stopgap government funding bill, it is critical that any package includes disaster assistance and economic aid for farmers. Farmers are facing severe financial hardships, and they need robust support from this legislation to help ensure the viability of their livelihoods, our rural communities, and our food supply. We urge House and Senate leadership to reach a spending package deal that includes disaster assistance and economic aid for farmers.”

TFI Study Highlights Fertilizer Industry’s $140 Billion Impact and Global Trade Ties

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released the 2024 Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study, highlighting the importance and economic contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry to the national, state, and local economies. The study also underscores the global nature of fertilizer markets and the importance of open markets and fair competition in providing farmers access to vital nutrients exactly when and where they are needed.

“Fertilizer is a cornerstone of modern agriculture and a critical component of the global food supply chain,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “While the latest data reveals the industry’s significant domestic economic impact, it also provides an opportunity to educate people about fertilizer’s complex global network and its reliance on open markets and fair competition to meet the needs of American farmers.”

The United States is both a major fertilizer producer and consumer. As the third-largest fertilizer-consuming country in the world, the U.S. accounts for close to 11% of global consumption. Domestically, the industry contributes $140 billion to the economy, supports nearly 500,000 jobs, and generates over $36 billion in income for American workers. The global interconnectivity of fertilizer markets is what makes this success possible.

“Trade is a critical component of the U.S. fertilizer industry,” Rosenbusch explained, citing key nitrogen-based fertilizers ammonia and urea as examples that highlight the nuanced relationships that keep vital supply chains moving. “The U.S. produces significant amounts of ammonia, but we still need to import around 12% to meet our needs. Additionally, the U.S. is the fourth largest producer of urea but also the third largest importer because our needs are so high. This blend of domestic production and international trading partners is what ensures our growers have the resources they need throughout the year.”

Potash and phosphate are another example of the importance of trading partners. The U.S. relies on imports for 98% of its potash needs, mainly from North America trading partner Canada. Conversely, phosphate, mined extensively in Florida’s Bone Valley region, underpins the U.S.’s dual role as a leading producer and exporter, with nearly 40% of U.S. phosphate exports by volume heading to Canada in 2023.

“Our ability to feed the world depends on maintaining and strengthening these vital trade relationships,” Rosenbusch concluded. “And what makes our industry so strong is the balance between domestic production and having reliable global trading partners.”

To explore the full findings of the 2024 Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study, please click here.

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.