Feenstra, Hinson Introduce Legislation to Lower Fertilizer Costs for Iowa Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Fertilizer Research Act, which aims to provide greater certainty and transparency for Iowa farmers navigating high input costs.

It would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study of the market factors driving up input costs, including competition, long-term market trends, and regulatory costs.

"As I'm traveling across the 4th District, Iowa farmers continue to tell me that the biggest barrier to farm profitability is high input costs. Representing one of the largest agricultural districts in the country, commonsense ways that we can help lower the prices of input costs like fertilizer is critical so that that our farmers can keep feeding and fueling our country and the world,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I’m glad to help introduce legislation that will deliver more transparency into the factors driving up the cost of fertilizer, and ultimately, help reduce financial pressures for farmers. By lowering costs for our producers, we can keep Iowa farmland in the hands of Iowa farmers and help the next generation carry on our proud agricultural traditions.”

“America’s farmers are being squeezed by high fertilizer costs and low commodity prices, making it incredibly difficult to afford the inputs needed to maintain strong yields. Family farmers in Iowa tell me they need greater price transparency and stability, and my bipartisan bill delivers just that by increasing visibility into the factors that drive costs and supply. I will continue fighting for our rural communities to ensure they have a fair shot to do what they do best: feed and fuel the world,” said Rep. Hinson.

Within one year of the bill’s passage, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Economic Research Service, would be required to issue a report on USDA’s website regarding the U.S. fertilizer industry.

Specifically, the report should include:

• A description of impacts on the fertilizer market that influence price;
• Market trends in the past 25 years;
• A description of the imported fertilizer and market impacts;
• Impacts of anti-dumping and countervailing duties;
• An assessment of the regulatory environment governing fertilizer production;
• A study of fertilizer industry concentration;
• A study of emerging fertilizer technologies; and
• A description of whether current public price reporting is sufficient for market transparency.

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