The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is disappointed that the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup did not result in the Farm Bill advancing, but appreciates the committee’s work to make progress on this important legislation. TFI welcomes several provisions included in the committee’s proposal that support conservation, agricultural innovation, and improved market information for America’s farmers, while continuing to encourage Congress to ensure fertilizer transparency provisions deliver meaningful benefits without creating unintended consequences for competition, domestic production, or growers.
“TFI appreciates Chairman Boozman and members of the Senate Agriculture Committee for recognizing the important role nutrient stewardship, innovation, and market transparency play in helping farmers produce abundant, affordable food while protecting natural resources,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We share the goal of improving transparency across the global and domestic fertilizer supply chain and will continue engaging with policymakers to ensure that any reporting is carefully evaluated and does not create unintended consequences for farmers, retailers, domestic producers, or competition.”
In support of market transparency, TFI continues to strongly support the creation of a Crop Inputs Economist within USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist to provide independent and consistent analysis of fertilizer and other crop input markets, including supply, demand, production, trade, and pricing trends.
“Improving access to timely, consistent, and reliable market information can help strengthen understanding of fertilizer and crop input markets across the agricultural economy,” Rosenbusch said. “Farmers, agriculture advocates, and the fertilizer industry all benefit from objective information that helps explain increasingly complex global markets.”
TFI applauds the committee for rejecting amendments against plant biostimulants. These and other innovative technologies help farmers improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
“Biostimulants are still a relatively new innovation in agriculture, and there remains great potential in these products,” Rosenbusch continued. “We need to be careful not to stifle their adoption by growers as these products support the production of healthy and abundant food in increasingly challenging growing conditions. Providing clarity and a path forward for these technologies will foster innovation, research, testing, and ultimately help bring new solutions to growers.”
The Senate proposal also continues to recognize the value of precision agriculture technologies, 4Rs research, biological fertilizers, and enhanced efficiency fertilizers in helping farmers implement science-based nutrient stewardship practices.
“The fertilizer industry remains committed to practical, science-based solutions that support farmers,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to advance a strong Farm Bill that improves market understanding, encourages innovation, strengthens domestic production, and ensures farmers have continued access to a reliable fertilizer supply.”
About 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 and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.
