Author: cglen

Students Awarded by FERT Foundation for Creatively Recognizing the Importance of Fertilizer

Arlington, VA – The FERT Foundation today announced winners for its annual #MADEPOSSIBLEBYFERTILIZER digital contest, a Nutrients for Life program initiative aimed at encouraging students to learn about fertilizers and then creating digital media that showcases the vital role fertilizers play in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. Winning students were selected based on creativity, storytelling, visual engagement, and a compelling narrative.

“The #MADEPOSSIBLEBYFERTILIZER contest is an incredible opportunity to educate a new generation about fertilizers and agriculture,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We don’t expect all of these students to go into a career in agriculture, but there is tremendous value in knowing where your food comes from and understanding how important agriculture is to our country. The #MADEPOSSIBLEBYFERTILIZER contest is just one of the ways the FERT Foundation works to bring awareness of these important subjects to classrooms and communities across the country.”

Here are the winners of the #MADEPOSSIBLEBYFERTILIZER Digital Contest:

1st Place: Taein Kim – Nikola Tesla STEM High School – Washington

  • Fertilizer: A Key to Ending Hunger – An engaging animated video connects the fight against global hunger to the power of fertilizer. Through the story of a struggling tomato plant, viewers learn how nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can help grow more food and move us closer to Zero Hunger.

2nd Place: Liberty Simper – Kuna High School – Idaho

  • The Role of Fertilizer in Agriculture – A stop-motion piece paired with scenes from local farmland shows how fertilizer transforms land into fertile ground and boosts food production efficiently.

3rd Place: Levi Dang – Frederick County Career & Technology Center – Maryland

  • Garden of Eden – Using mixed media animation, Levi portrays the world as a garden, emphasizing fertilizer’s role in sustaining its health and productivity.

Honorable Mention: Roman Gattuso – Skyline High School – Michigan

  • Fertilizer: Farmers, UN Goals and Minecraft? – Discover how one of the world’s most popular games connects to fertilizer! Roman takes a unique approach, showing how Minecraft highlights the importance of fertilizer through both a video and a website. The website explores how fertilizer supports UN goal #2: Zero Hunger, farmers, and promotes sustainable agriculture. Project website.

Honorable Mention: Jasmine Smith – Galva High School – Illinois

  • Made Possible by Fertilizer – “Fertilizer vs. Fitness” cleverly compares plant nutrition to human wellness—showing how a balanced “diet” of nutrients helps plants thrive and maximize yields.

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FERT Foundation is the result of three industry foundations coming together to form a stronger, unified voice. The three pillars of FERT Foundation are fertilizer education, research, and training. The FERT Foundation uses one common voice to present fertilizer content in classrooms across the country, offer leadership and training opportunities for our industry’s future leaders, and communicate about innovative research projects.

TFI Praises Congress for Supporting Phosphate and Potash as Critical Minerals in Letter to DOI’s Burgum

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised members of Congress in both chambers for joining a letter sent to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of phosphate and potash being included on the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The letter, a bipartisan and bicameral effort led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), included 41 members from Congress.

“We thank Senators Ernst and Slotkin and Representatives Cammack and Panetta for working together and uniting a bipartisan voice urging the Secretary of the Interior to rightfully recognize the essential nature of phosphate and potash,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The majority of the world’s phosphate and potash resources are concentrated in only a few countries, leaving them open to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical instability. The events of the past few years have shown us that food security is national security and now is the time to change how we talk about these vital resources.”

The United States imports roughly 98% of its potash needs, the bulk of which, about 85% from Canada. Only 14 countries in the world produce potash, with China, Belarus, and Russia accounting for over 40% of global production. Regarding phosphate, China and Russia account for over 50% of global production.

The letter to Secretary Burgum makes the case that phosphate and potash clearly meet the criteria to be defined as a critical mineral and noting that, “…their significance for U.S. national security, food security, and American farmers is especially critical…”

“Without these two minerals, modern agricultural systems would crumble and the ability to feed our growing population would be nearly impossible,” Rosenbusch concluded. “It is vital that we take proactive steps to secure our own agricultural future by recognizing the role these minerals play in putting food on our tables.”

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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.

Trump’s Bold Action on Critical Minerals Supports Farmers and U.S. Food Security

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today extended its sincere thanks to President Donald Trump for including Potash alongside critical minerals in an Executive Order (EO) titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.” This designation combined with the provisions in the EO sets into place a framework to ensure that Potash and our nation’s other critical mineral resources are leveraged to create jobs and fuel American prosperity.

President Trump’s EO will help ensure a stable and abundant supply of fertilizers which are critical to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices in check.

The Fertilizer Institute’s President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement:

“Today’s forward-looking action by President Donald Trump to recognize potash as a critical mineral is a dramatic step towards ensuring U.S. farmers have access to the essential nutrients needed to grow the crops that feed our communities and fill our collective dinner tables with nutritious and affordable food.

“Originally included in the first list of Critical Minerals created in 2018 under President Trump’s first administration, potash’s omission from the 2022 list was a mistake that a broad coalition of industry and consumer advocates have been working to remedy.

“TFI thanks President Trump for restoring potash’s rightful place among the key minerals necessary for the success, growth, stability, and prosperity of the United States. President Trump understands that 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.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration on actions that will promote a strong and resilient fertilizer industry that supports U.S. agriculture and ensures affordable food prices for American families. This includes continued engagement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) with the goal of expanding on the EO to ensure the permanent recognition of both potash and phosphate in their rightful place on the Critical Minerals list.”

The President’s recognition of the critical nature of fertilizers will ensure that America’s farmers have access to these essential competitiveness tools. 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.

The White House has also posted a “fact sheet” on the Executive Order “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.”

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Fluid Fertilizer Foundation Merged into TFI’s FERT Foundation

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced today that the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation (FFF) has been merged into the Fertilizer Education, Research, and Training (FERT) Foundation, a strategic transition designed to advance fluid fertilizer research and education while enhancing industry collaboration and outreach.

“Integrating FFF into the FERT Foundation aligns with our mission of supporting and advocating for proactive scientific research rooted in 4R nutrient stewardship focused on innovation and sustainability, and to communicate research outcomes with stakeholders in policy, public, and industry circles,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We are excited to welcome FFF’s legacy into our organization and take the work they’ve done to the next level with our comprehensive network and professional staff.”

Being acquired by the FERT Foundation provided FFF with the best opportunity to have ongoing research adequately supported and to educate the public about the role fluid fertilizers play in modern agriculture.

“This decision ensures that the research and educational efforts surrounding fluid fertilizers will not only continue but thrive,” said Dr. Zack Ogles, Chairman of the FFF Board of Directors. “The FERT Foundation provides an ideal platform to elevate the impact of fluid fertilizers within the broader agricultural community.”

For more information about the FERT Foundation and The Fertilizer Institute, please visit www.tfi.org.

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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 Applauds Trump Action on Fertilizers

White House

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

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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.