My Weekly Column: Delivering Lower Fertilizer Costs for Iowa Farmers
Since coming to Congress, I have consistently heard a key concern from farmers: the rising cost of fertilizer. When input costs climb, farm profitability shrinks, making it harder for producers to invest in their operations, pass their land to the next generation, and continue feeding and fueling the world. That’s why I have remained committed to lowering fertilizer costs.
This week, American agriculture received incredible news. President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced executive action to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports. This commonsense action is anticipated to increase fertilizer availability, strengthen competition, and reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by an estimated 22%.
The impact for farmers is significant. USDA estimates this action will save producers approximately $1.2 billion annually, benefit more than 100,000 farms nationwide, and support roughly 97 million planted acres. For Iowa producers preparing for future planting seasons, lower fertilizer costs mean more certainty and a stronger bottom line.
Furthermore, the USDA has announced today that they will be investing $500 million into the new Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program, which aims to expand independent, American-made fertilizer production. This program builds on the success of the executive order, lowering costs for farmers and strengthening our domestic supply chains.
These announcements build upon the work I have been leading for years. During the Biden Administration, fertilizer prices surged by as much as 40%, placing enormous financial burdens on family farmers. Representing one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I urged federal officials to address these rising costs, testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission on behalf of America’s farmers, and helped lead legislation to bring greater transparency and accountability to fertilizer markets.
President Trump’s action is another important stepping stone to reversing years of high input costs, while strengthening America’s fertilizer supply chain. The Administration has also worked to improve transportation flexibility, address anti-competitive practices, accelerate new domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects, and designate phosphate and potash as critical minerals. These actions will help strengthen American agriculture for years to come.
Our farmers deserve policies that deliver results. Results like lower costs, expanded opportunity, and the ability to compete on a level playing field. I will continue working with President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and my colleagues in Congress to reduce unnecessary burdens, strengthen domestic fertilizer production, and ensure Iowa farmers have the tools they need to remain the most productive and successful producers in the world.
When agriculture succeeds, rural America succeeds. I remain committed to ensuring our farmers have every opportunity to thrive.