(WASHINGTON D.C.) – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee on Friday by urging U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reinstate potash and add phosphate – both critical fertilizer ingredients – to the U.S. Critical Minerals List. In a letter to Secretary Burgum, the lawmakers explain this designation will support domestic production and strengthen supply chains, important steps to protecting food security and stabilizing the market for farmers.
“The United States must address the growing risks to this supply chain, including a return to domestic production of potash as quickly as possible,” the senators wrote. “In contrast to potash, phosphate is more abundant in the U.S. Even so, we are heavily reliant on imports… Adding phosphate to the U.S. Critical Minerals List would be an important step in strengthening domestic fertilizer manufacturing, stabilizing and securing this critical supply chain.”
“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production,” the senators continued. “Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty—challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families.”
Read the full letter here.
