Press Releases Archives - The Fertilizer Institute

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

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.

ARA and TFI Joint Statement on Tariffs

3D earth graphic symbolizing global trade, vector illustration.

ARA and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) issued the following joint statement regarding the Trump administration’s announcement on tariffs on imports of Canadian goods:

“ARA and TFI acknowledge the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American industry, including the agriculture economy. However, we are concerned about the impact of the 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports to farmers and the entire agriculture supply chain.

“The 25 percent tariffs on critical fertilizer imports from Canada, including potash, ammonium sulfate, nitrogen fertilizers and sulfur will drive up the cost of production for U.S. farmers. These costs ripple throughout the agriculture community, ultimately leading to higher prices at the grocery store.

“We urge continued engagement between the U.S. and Canada to resolve the outstanding border security issues, and barring a quick agreement, we request the Trump administration to provide a strategic carve out from the tariffs, which should also include critical minerals designation for potash as well as phosphate.”

TFI Statement on Implementation of U.S. Tariffs on Imports of Canadian Potash and Other Fertilizers

Arlington, VA – Following the announcement by President Donald Trump that tariffs originally announced in February are now in effect 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 remains committed to working with the Trump Administration to promote a strong, resilient fertilizer industry that supports U.S. agriculture and ensures affordable food prices for American families. A stable and affordable supply of fertilizers is critical to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices in check.

“TFI continues to urge the Administration to provide a strategic carveout for Canadian fertilizers from these tariffs, including through designation as critical minerals. With the spring planting season fast approaching and U.S. agriculture continuing to face serious headwinds, maintaining reliable and cost-effective fertilizer supply chains is essential to ensuring a productive harvest and protecting American farmers from unnecessary financial strain.

“Today, 85% of our potash imports come from Canada. Potash is an irreplaceable component of modern agricultural production, and the U.S. has historically sourced nearly all the potash used by farmers from international markets. Potash deposits are geographically specific and mine development in the U.S. is time intensive and costly.

“Additionally, Canada supplies U.S. growers with nearly 10% of their nitrogen fertilizer needs, accounting for 25% of total nitrogen fertilizer imports, and nearly 20% of sulfur consumed by U.S. farmers and others.

“An open, fair, predictable, and transparent trade environment between the U.S. and Canada is vital to supporting a strong, competitive fertilizer industry that meets the needs of American growers. Restrictions on this critical cross-border trade will drive up costs for farmers, which could ultimately be felt at the grocery store by consumers.

“TFI recognizes that these tariffs are part of a broader policy agenda, and we encourage ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Canada. We thank President Trump for his continued engagement with the fertilizer industry and the agriculture community, and we remain committed to working with the Administration and Congress to ensure the long-term security and stability of the U.S. fertilizer supply chain.”

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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.

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.