YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Making fertilizer more affordable, available for U.S. growers

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

America’s farmers must have access to crucial fertilizer supplies.

Several factors have combined to create shortages and drive-up fertilizer costs. Those factors include the ongoing war in Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion, rising inflation, labor shortages, regulatory hurdles and increased transportation costs.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal agencies to take action. Barriers must be removed that stand in the way of improved access to fertilizer.

Recommendations include assistance for farmers to expand on-site farm fertilizer storage compacity to help them manage costs throughout the year.

The Environmental Protection Agency should seek reforms to review processes that create barriers for domestic fertilizer production.

Weight restrictions should be modernized for trucks to reduce the number of trucks needed to transport goods.

And rail reforms are needed to promote rail competition, fair rates and reliable service.

Fertilizer is a global commodity, and these U.S. efforts would not solve all problems. But the actions would be huge in helping U.S. growers produce enough food, fuel and fiber for a world that is needing American agriculture.