Senators Call on USTR to Secure Long-Term Fertilizer Trade

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai urging her to develop and execute a strategic plan for securing the United States' long-term fertilizer needs.

"We write today to urge you to develop and begin executing a strategic plan for the long-term stability of fertilizer trade for our farmers and ranchers. Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine is sparking concerns over famine in Africa and the Middle East. Societies dependent on agriculture are keenly aware of the threat of food insecurity. Big agrarian nations like Brazil are already acting to re-draw global trade routes, especially regarding fertilizer, to ensure the productivity of their nation and address the needs of a starving world. We must do the same," wrote the senators.

The senators specifically outlined a series of actions USTR can take to better address fertilizer supplies.

"We believe enhancing our fertilizer trading relationship with Canada should be a priority of the administration. USTR should also consider negotiations to eliminate the cross-border vaccine mandate between the U.S. and Canada which is hindering the movement of goods. Second, we believe USTR should engage with China to reduce or eliminate their fertilizer export restrictions, which decrease the supply of phosphates on the global market, driving prices up. Finally, we strongly encourage you to use the tools at the administration's disposal to eliminate barriers to the importation of crop nutrients, and to negotiate to ensure fertilizer supplies are abundant and affordable here in the U.S," wrote the senators.