Fertilizer industry backs bipartisan permitting reform

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In the heart of America’s agricultural landscape, farmers are feeling the weight of uncertainty as they navigate soaring production costs, a burden that threatens not only their livelihoods but the stability of food prices for every American family. Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), knows these struggles all too well, as he stands up for the men and women who feed our nation.

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It is with this understanding that TFI is now backing new bipartisan legislation, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a crucial initiative poised to expand domestic fertilizer production and strengthen vital supplies for American farmers. This proposed legislation aims to reform federal permitting laws and regulations, directly addressing the significant delays and financial burdens that currently stifle investment in new and expanded fertilizer facilities.

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A Critical Lifeline for American Agriculture

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For too long, the essential process of bringing new fertilizer production online has been mired in bureaucratic red tape, creating an environment of unpredictability for those looking to invest in America’s agricultural future. As Mr. Rosenbusch articulated, current permitting processes can involve years of delays, and significant costs and uncertainty that discourage investment in vital infrastructure.

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TFI highlights that producers sometimes face permitting delays lasting decades and costing anywhere from $10 million to $100 million per project. These obstacles don't just affect corporations; they limit fertilizer supplies, drive up farmers’ production costs, and ultimately contribute to food price inflation that impacts every household, making it harder for families to put nutritious meals on the table.

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The urgency of this issue has been underscored by recent global events, including the conflict in Ukraine and export restrictions from countries like China, which have exposed vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. America’s reliance on foreign sources from nations such as Russia, Canada, and Trinidad and Tobago for essential agricultural inputs presents a significant national security concern, making domestic production paramount.

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In a comprehensive 2023 report titled \"Fertilizer Permitting Reform: A Path to Greater Domestic Production,\" TFI laid out a clear case for change, emphasizing that clearer timelines, better coordination among federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and improved access to natural gas pipelines are not just desires, but necessities for manufacturers to invest in additional production capacity.

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Bipartisan Effort for Domestic Strength

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The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 seeks to streamline these processes, proposing a target of reducing permitting times to two years for new facilities and just one year for expansions. This ambitious yet achievable goal would unlock significant investment and innovation within the sector, strengthening our nation's food security from the ground up.

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Key provisions within the bill are designed to foster a more predictable and efficient regulatory environment. These include establishing clear timelines for permit reviews, enhancing coordination among various federal agencies involved in the approval process, and facilitating better access to critical natural gas pipelines, which are the lifeblood of modern fertilizer production.

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Furthermore, the bill proposes vital tax incentives, such as an Investment Tax Credit and Accelerated Depreciation, specifically designed to encourage domestic manufacturing and investment. These incentives recognize the substantial capital required for such projects and aim to make the United States a more attractive location for building and expanding fertilizer facilities.

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This bipartisan effort is championed by a diverse group of lawmakers who understand the critical link between agricultural stability and national well-being. Among its proponents are Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), demonstrating a shared commitment across the aisle to support American agriculture.

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While the challenges of permitting are significant, the industry has shown its capacity for growth when conditions allow. Recent expansions include Nutrien’s $4.2 billion investment in Borden, Saskatchewan in 2022, CF Industries' $200 million expansion in Donaldsonville, Louisiana in 2022, and OCI Global’s $200 million expansion in Weaverville, Iowa, also in 2022. These projects underscore the industry's willingness to invest in capacity.

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These build upon earlier successes like Koch Fertilizer's $1.3 billion expansion in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 2013 and the Iowa Fertilizer Company’s $3 billion new facility in Weaverville, Iowa, completed in 2017. These monumental projects demonstrate the immense capital and long-term commitment required, making efficient permitting all the more critical for future endeavors.

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Fargo's Stake in the National Conversation

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Here in Fargo, where the rich Red River Valley soil stretches out like a promise, the rhythm of life is deeply tied to the land. Generations of families have tilled this fertile earth, building communities and sustaining livelihoods. This national conversation about fertilizer production isn't just about distant policies; it's about our neighbors, our local economy, and the very food on our tables.

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This legislation isn't just about fertilizer; it's about the livelihoods of local farmers and the families they support. By streamlining the permitting process, our community hopes to see a resurgence in agricultural stability that benefits everyone, from the farmer in the field to the family at the grocery store.

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When farmers face undue burdens—whether from soaring input costs or unpredictable markets—those costs inevitably ripple through our community. Stable, affordable food prices are a cornerstone of family well-being, and ensuring our farmers have the resources they need is a direct investment in the health and prosperity of every household. Economic stability is a vital component of strong marriages and intact families, providing the foundation for children to thrive.

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The fertilizer industry is a significant economic engine, contributing $170 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting over 100,000 jobs. Many of these jobs are in rural areas, providing vital employment and sustaining local businesses. Investing in domestic production means investing in American jobs and the communities that depend on them.

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Our community has long understood the biblical principle of stewardship, caring for the land and ensuring its bounty for future generations. This bill, by strengthening domestic production, helps us fulfill that responsibility, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency that aligns with our deepest values of hard work, provision, and community support.

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Looking Ahead: Cultivating Stability

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The push for reform represents a journey from frustration and uncertainty towards hope and renewed investment in the future of farming. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of American agriculture and the recognition that a strong domestic food supply is fundamental to national security and economic prosperity.

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TFI is urging the Senate to swiftly pass the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, recognizing its profound potential to fortify America’s agricultural backbone. This legislation is not merely about regulations; it is about empowering our farmers, securing our food supply, and ensuring the continued vitality of rural communities.

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By addressing these critical permitting challenges, the United States can reduce its reliance on volatile foreign markets, ensure a more stable and affordable food supply, and empower its farmers to continue their essential work of feeding the nation. This proactive step will safeguard our agricultural heritage and build a more resilient future for all.

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As the sun sets over the fields, the promise of a more efficient permitting process glimmers on the horizon, offering a lifeline to the hardworking families who depend on the land. It ensures that the American dream of stable, loving households continues to be nourished by the fruits of our own soil, cultivated with care and supported by sound policy.

", "imageAlt": "Fertile Red River Valley