Ernst Pushes to Reduce Fertilizer Costs for Farmers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) took action to lower the cost of fertilizer for Iowa farmers by joining her colleagues to introduce the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act . Mirroring her previous recommendations to the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2020 and 2023 , this legislation would eliminate tariffs and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, delivering direct relief to farmers facing rising input costs. “There is no substitute for the invaluable work our farmers do to feed and fuel the world,” said Senator Ernst. “From securing the addition of phosphate and potash to the U.S. Critical Minerals List to pushing for research on the fertilizer market, I’ve consistently put Iowa farmers first. By joining Senator Marshall’s Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act , I’m proud to once again stand up for our agriculture community to drive down fertilizer costs and make life more affordable for both farmers and consumers.” The legislation would: Eliminate tariffs on phosphate fertilizer and related products from Morocco End the April 7, 2021, countervailing duty order on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco Restore access to competitively priced phosphate fertilizer for U.S. producers Background: After leading her colleagues in calling for the reinstatement of potash and addition of phosphate to the U.S. Critical Minerals List, Ernst continued her calls to action until both key fertilizer ingredients were added . Ernst has also worked to bring more clarity and certainty on fertilizer prices for Iowa farmers through the Fertilizer Research Act. ###