News Type: Press Releases

TFI Statement on EPA Phosphogypsum Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to withdraw approval for limited reuse of phosphogypsum (PG) in road construction.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision on June 30th to withdraw on procedural grounds its October 2020 approval of the limited use of phosphogypsum (PG) in road construction is disappointing and inconsistent with the Agency’s prior interpretation of its regulations. However, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) agrees that EPA decisions should be based on, and adhere to, existing regulatory requirements. The responsible use of PG has been proven to be both sustainable and environmentally sound. TFI strongly urges the EPA to rely on sound science to amend its regulations to allow for the categorical use of PG as sought by TFI.
 
Importantly, the EPA withdrew the PG road base approval based solely on procedural grounds, and its withdrawal did not contradict TFI’s robust risk assessment in support of the use of PG in road construction. In fact, the decision to withdraw the categorical approval to use PG in road construction definitively left the window open for site specific projects to be considered for EPA approval based on the same scientific merits which focus on safe, sustainable use. We concur with EPA’s scientific evaluation and conclusion that the risk associated with the use of PG in road construction is no greater than stacking the material or placing it in mines. 
 
The International Atomic Energy Agency said it best when they concluded that, “[a]ll evidence suggests that the [radiation] doses received as a result of the use of phosphogypsum in agriculture, road construction, in the marine environment, and in landfill facilities are sufficiently low that no restrictions on such use are necessary.”
 
TFI will continue to work with the EPA and other stakeholders so that the United States can join with the numerous countries throughout South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Canada that permit the safe and environmentally conscious beneficial use of PG.

 

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org. 

Infrastructure Package Moves through Senate Committee

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday approved its portion of the Senate’s Highway bill by a vote of 25-3.

While the legislation approved Wednesday by the Committee is very similar to the introduced version, the manager’s amendment (substitute) included the following policy modifications that may be of interest.

  • Ag Restricted CDLs:  Sen. Moran (R-KS) led this effort. Allows for the Farm-Related Restricted CDL program to restart at the beginning of each calendar year. The change does not address request (see coalition letter) to increase the number of days that farm-related restricted CDLs can operate, though Committee staff is willing continue discussions and indicated willingness to increase the days from 180 to 210 days after the markup and presumably prior to approval by the full Senate.
  • Drive Safe Act:  Sen. Young (R-IN) led this effort. Compromise language was agreed to that creates a pilot program with similar parameters to the civilian pilot program that former Secretary Chao was working to finalize. This is not everything that we wanted (see coalition letter), but it is as much as we could get and it importantly comes with assurances that Chair Cantwell (D-WA) will support the compromise language throughout the legislative process.
  • Hauls Act (HOS):  Sen. Fischer (R-NE) led this effort. Compromise language creates an expanded hours-of-service exemption of 150 air-miles on the backend for livestock haulers only. This is helpful to livestock, but no one else. Concern for animal welfare appears to be the primary factor of this narrow compromise, despite the efforts of the broader coalition.

Outlook:  The full House intends to consider its Highway bill the week of June 28. Neither the House nor Senate has formerly identified how to pay-for their Highway bills to cover the anticipated shortfall of projected Highway Trust Fund (HTF) revenues. The federal tax on gasoline of 18.4 cents per gallon has not been adjusted since 1993. It is possible that Congress could authorize spending, including deficit spending, for a new Highway bill and separately move a reconciliation package that includes other Democrat priorities, including corporate and capital gains tax increases. The Senate EPW Committee unanimously approved its $312 billion portion on May 26. The Senate Banking Committee still needs to act on its authorizing portion that includes certain transit accounts. It appears that the full Senate will not consider its Highway bill until July at the earliest.

Also Wednesday, and somewhat separately, a group of 20 Senators (10 Republicans and 10 Democrats) announced support (related article) for a framework on a broader infrastructure package. Details are scant, though reports indicate it would be $974 billion over five years, $1.2 trillion over eight years, and it includes $579 billion in new spending, which should generally mean spending above and beyond projected highway trust fund revenues via a Highway bill. A lot of hypotheticals remain, but a future House-Senate Highway bill agreement could be included in this framework.

TFI Elects 2021 Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the election of its 2021 Board of Directors. The election took place during a vote of the membership during TFI’s Annual Meeting this week in Dallas, Texas. CF Industries, Inc.’s CEO Tony Will serves as TFI’s Chairman and Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC will serve as Vice Chairman.

“TFI’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in the health of our organization, providing valuable insight and vision to our team as we execute our strategic,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “I look forward to working with this excellent group of leaders as we work together to advance and grow the fertilizer industry.”

Members elected to a one-year term include: Josh Long, American Plant Food Corporation; Tony Will, CF Industries, Inc.; Gary Halvorson, CHS Inc.; Mark Pytosh, CVR Partners, LP; Don Lambert, EuroChem North America; Brian Harlander, Gavilon Fertilizer LLC; Mark Orr, Growmark, Inc.; Michael Peyton, Helm Fertilizer Corporation; Melih Keyman, Keytrade AG; Scott McGinn, Koch Fertilizer, LLC; Mark Behrman, LSB Industries, Inc.; David Schramm, N-7, LLC; Michael Webb, Nutrien; Kerry McNamara, OCP; Doug Stone, J.R. Simplot Company; Joe McNeely, The Anderson, Inc.; Joc O’Rourke, The Mosaic Company; Jeff Minnis, Trammo, Inc.; Alexander Terletskiy, Uralkali; Mark Ripato, Wilbur-Ellis Company; Todd Minnihan, WinField United; Geraldo Mattioli, Yara North America, Inc.

TFI’s membership also elected the following new board members for three-year terms: Nick Adamchak, Pursell Agri-Tech; Matt Carstens, Landus Cooperative; Mary Hartney, Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association; Hugh Looman, Sylvite Sales; Russell Sides, Tessenderlo Kerley; Lyndon Smith, Bio Huma Netics.

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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

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Updates to Nutrient Use and Soil Test Summary Tools Help the Fertilizer Industry Better Understand Crop Nutrition Across the United States

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced two new updates to crop nutrient use tools that provide the fertilizer industry and agronomic professionals with scientifically-backed data to better track nutrient use and nutrient balances across the United States.

“The fertilizer industry relies on accurate data to make strategic business decisions,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI President and CEO. “Using data from the NuGIS and Soil Test Summary platforms, TFI is uniquely positioned to collaborate with partners and soil testing labs to aggregate and analyze this information for our members and stakeholders.”

Working together, the Nutrient Use Geographic Information System (NuGIS) and the Soil Test Summary are an index of performance, both agronomic and environmental, indicating how well a cropping system uses crop nutrients. The two platforms can help provide an estimate of nutrient deficiencies and nutrients susceptible to loss, providing the fertilizer industry, farmers, and scientific stakeholders with insight into improving nutrient use efficiency and nutrient balance.

NuGIS provides county- and watershed-level estimates of nutrients applied to the soil from fertilizer and livestock manure, and nutrients removed by harvested agricultural crops. Nutrient application data comes from fertilizer sales data collected by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) and USDA livestock sales, which are used to estimate manure application. Nutrient removal data is calculated using USDA annual yield data.

NuGIS is a unique data set showing nutrient use efficiency and the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium balance in cropland across the nation. The tool’s maps and charts show distribution of nutrient concentrations, allowing for the determination of where nutrients are either being mined or building up in agricultural production fields.

The Soil Test Summary is an interactive tool for displaying aggregate soil nutrient levels from public and private soil test labs by state from June 2019 through July 2020.

Both NuGIS the Soil Test Summary are collaborations between TFI, the Foundation for Agronomic Research, and Plant Nutrition Canada. These two tools are part of a broader collection of agronomic materials made available to the fertilizer industry and the agronomic community by TFI. Additional resources include the Soil Fertility Manual, the 4R Plant Nutrition Manual, and the InfoAg Conference.

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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

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TFI Says STB Final Rule on Demurrage a Positive for Shippers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applauded the Tuesday, April 6th issuance of a final rule by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding several demurrage billing data points for which TFI advocated.

“The final rule issued by the STB will provide fertilizer shippers with greater transparency and fairness regarding railroad demurrage charges,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Demurrage charges have increased dramatically – and often unfairly — following rail industry implementation of so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). Shippers are entitled to have the information they need to determine the justification of these charges.

Among the billing data points included in the STB’s final rule are the original estimated arrival time of each car, the time of receipt at the last interchange with the invoicing carrier, and the ordered in date and time.

“Fair and transparent demurrage charges are something TFI has been advocating for years,” Rosenbusch concluded. “Yesterday’s decision is a win for shippers, and we thank the Board for its efforts to modernize rail oversight.”

 

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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 Creates Ford West Memorial Fund

WASHINGTON, March 30, 20201 — Ford B. West was a legend in the fertilizer industry, having spent over 35 years promoting, defending, and truly living in the industry. The Ford B. West Future Leaders program has been created to highlight Ford’s love of the industry, the people working in the industry and his friendly demeanor to all he met. West passed away on Feb. 14 following a 15-year medical adventure with prostate cancer. During his career at The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), Ford worked in membership, government affairs and policy and as the President.

TFI is asking industry members to step forward to make a gift to support this effort and honor this amazing leader. The goal of the campaign is $500,000, and it will run through June 2022. Every donation helps achieve the goal to lift up young leaders and support programs of a similar nature as they develop over time.

“Ford was passionate about the fertilizer industry, and he was passionate about young people and networking,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “This program will help lift young leaders and give them the connections and tools to further their careers for the betterment of the entire fertilizer industry.”

Donations can be made at online at the Nutrients for Life Foundation website or by sending checks to the Ford West Memorial Fund at 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700, Arlington, VA  22203. TFI thanks you for honoring Ford B. West and his tireless work for the fertilizer industry.

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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.

Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge Recipients Identified for Phase Two Trials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), along with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), announced the organizations and products selected for Phase two trials in the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges.  Collectively, the challenges aim to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFS) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water. The organizations partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the challenges. 

“For generations, we’ve seen how innovation has shaped modern U.S. agriculture into the most successful and efficient production system in the world,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “This public-private partnership represents the next generation of fertilizer technologies that will produce results for farmers and the land. I am proud to see several TFI members selected here as   industry leaders in adopting and promoting these new technologies.” 

“Corn farmers have a vested interest in using new technology that improves their operations and minimizes their environmental impact,” said NCGA President John Linder. “We are pleased to be a part of these Challenges and to work with these partners to promote sustainable farming practices that build up soil health, allowing farmers to improve productivity and profitability while also preserving natural resources for future generations.” 

The first of two Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, EEFs: Agronomic and Environmental Challenge, aims to identify existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Phase one included review and selection of product nominations by an expert judging panel. Phase two, to be initiated this spring, will include greenhouse trial evaluations of the winning products by researchers at IFDC. The products will be evaluated based on environmental, agronomic, and economic performance factors. 

“I am pleased to see the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge bridging the gap between good ideas and their implementation,” said Albin Hubscher, IFDC president and CEO. “Strategic partnerships such as this will continue to catalyze innovation in improving global soil health and closing the yield gap. IFDC anticipates exciting results from our evaluations of these products.” 

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful economic, environmental, and social effects. EEFs and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions to increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. These technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability. 

“The Nature Conservancy is excited to be part of the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges as a way to drive new innovations that will help farmers better understand which enhanced efficiency fertilizers may work best on their farm,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, director of strategic engagement for agriculture, The Nature Conservancy in North America. “We are strong advocates of the 4R approach to nutrient management and believe that the EPA and USDA’s science-based approach to the challenge will help farmers implement the 4Rs on their cropland.” 

The winners include (listed by company and product name): 

  • AgroLiquid: Pro-Germinator 
  • CHS Agronomy: Trivar 
  • Corteva Agriscience: Optinyte 
  • EuroChem Agro: ENTEC
  • Harrell’s: POLYON 
  • Koch Agronomic Services: CENTURO 
  • Koch Agronomic Services: SUPERU 
  • MicroSource: Hi-Test 
  • Nutrien: ESN 
  • Pursell Agri-Tech:  PurYield 
  • Renuvix: Renuvix CRFs 
  • SABIC: BCRU 
  • The Andersons: Struvite DG 
  • Timac Agro USA: Duo Maxx 
  • Timac Agro USA: Top-Phos 
  • Verdesian Life Sciences: AVAIL 

The second component of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge will identify novel pre-market technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields. Winners are expected to be announced in spring 2021. 

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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org. 

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. 

An independent non-profit organization, IFDC is active in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. Combining science-backed innovations, an enabling policy environment, holistic market systems development, and strategic partnerships, the organization bridges the gap between identifying and scaling sustainable soil solutions, resulting in improved household food security and enriched family livelihoods around the world. Using an inclusive approach, IFDC employs locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions that bring change at local, regional, and national levels. 

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TFI Celebrates EPA ENERGY STAR Certification of Three Fertilizer Manufacturing Plants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today celebrates three nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing plants for earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance. 

“We congratulate TFI members Koch Fertilizer and the J.R. Simplot Company for their recognition by the EPA for operating highly efficient plants,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The fertilizer industry is essential to our modern way of life and our members have made minimizing the environmental impact of crop nutrients a key pillar of how they operate. This certification by the EPA shows that when it comes to environmental stewardship the fertilizer industry doesn’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.”

Two Koch Fertilizer plants earned 2020 EPA ENERGY STAR certification, one in Beatrice, Nebraska and the other in Enid, Oklahoma. Simplot’s recognized facility is in Helm, California.

“Koch’s facility in Beatrice and Simplot’s facility in Helm earned certification last year, as well,” Rosenbusch continued. “Earning this designation from the EPA two years in a row shows that our industry is serious about the role we play in not only feeding the world but doing so in a sustainable way for the long-haul.”

Manufacturing plants that are verified to be among the most energy efficient within their sector are eligible to earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification. To measure energy efficiency, EPA worked with the fertilizer industry to develop an Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) for nitrogenous fertilizer plants. ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.

“Environmental issues play a large role in TFI’s recently released 2021 public policy priorities, specifically the important role that the fertilizer supply chain plays in being part of the solution to address the many challenges of a changing climate,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We are proud of the accomplishments of TFI members Koch and Simplot and will continue pushing for industry innovations that lessen environmental impacts and protect the communities in which we operate as we help to grow the food, fuel and fiber to feed our country and world.”

TFI’s 2021 public policy priorities can be found here.

Fertilizer Industry Sustainability Record Continues to Improve According to New Industry Data

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2021 – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released new data highlighting industry improvement in sustainability performance in key priority areas of workforce safety, energy and the environment, fertilizer use, and industry innovation.

“The fertilizer industry has always been focused on feeding the world, and as technology advances, we are looking to do that with minimal impact to our communities and environment,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “This data quantifies improvements and tracks progress over time, allowing us to present a transparent picture of the industry in an effort to earn the public’s trust in our products and services.”

TFI has collected data since 2013 on metrics that provide insight into the industry’s efforts to improve safety, security, sustainability, stewardship, and efficiency. The data announced today was gathered in 2020 and reflects industry operations in 2019.

Report highlights include:

  • The industry is more than twice as safe as industry peers when compared to benchmark data from the Department of Labor.
  • The industry’s performance on the recordable rate metric is the safest it’s been since data collection began in 2013.
  • To reduce the industry’s energy footprint, 41 percent of all energy consumed is generated using waste heat rather than pulling from the electrical grid.
  • In 2019, the industry captured 29 percent of all CO2 generated per ton of nutrient produced. These greenhouse gases are not emitted into the atmosphere and are used for other industrial uses.
  • Nitrogen producers are using 53 percent less water to produce one ton of fertilizer than they did in 2013.

The data includes metrics on segments of the fertilizer industry from fertilizer use on the farm, worker safety, energy and environment, and industry innovation. To learn more about this year’s State of the Fertilizer Industry report, visit fertilizerreport.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.

TFI Congratulates Administrator Regan, Ready to Work Together

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today released the below statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Michael Regan as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator.

“TFI and the fertilizer industry congratulate Michael Regan on being confirmed as EPA administrator. Our number one goal is to ensure the fertilizer industry is able to continue feeding the world sustainably. We are committed to environmental stewardship and ready to work with Administrator Regan and agency staff on achieving shared priorities.

“TFI welcomes Administrator Regan’s established record of listening to all stakeholders, a history of working to find practical solutions to environmental issues, and of using sound science and data to guide the decision-making process while serving in North Carolina’s top environmental post. Environmental issues play a large role in TFI’s recently released 2021 public policy priorities, specifically the important role that the fertilizer supply chain plays in being part of the solution to address the many challenges of a changing climate.

“We feel confident that Administrator Regan possesses the skills and leadership necessary to tackle tough issues while ensuring the fertilizer industry can continue to innovate to lessen environmental impacts as we help to grow the food, fuel and fiber to feed our country and world.”

TFI’s 2021 public policy priorities can be found 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.