Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement of $500 million in grant funding available through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program for domestic fertilizer production.
“The U.S. has one of the strongest and most competitive fertilizer industries in the world, being one of only three nations that has at least 20 unique companies producing fertilizer products,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The U.S. fertilizer industry consists of large international corporations, small regional producers, and everything in between. They all play a critical role in supplying farmers with the nutrients required to grow the food that feeds the world. While a nitrogen plant can cost between $2-4 billion to construct, anything that helps strengthen domestic fertilizer production is a win for the industry, growers, and consumers.”
According to information released by the USDA, grants will be used to support innovative and sustainable fertilizer production in the U.S. and its territories.
“Innovative and sustainable are key requirements for the grant funding and they describe the industry well,” Rosenbusch continued. “Innovation has been a hallmark of fertilizer producers as enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) and other new technologies play a big role in our ability to feed a growing population.”
Sustainability is also a key focus of the industry and is supported by the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, which focuses on the right fertilizer source, at the right place, at the right rate, and at the right time.
“A year ago on Global Fertilizer Day, TFI announced our commitment to having 70 million acres of farmland under 4R nutrient stewardship by 2030,” Rosenbusch continued. “4R practices are proven ways of achieving higher yields, lower input costs, and less nutrient losses to the environment. All that in addition to industry efforts to maximize production efficiency by utilizing waste heat and carbon capture technologies.”
TFI also recently began accepting nominations for 2023 4R Advocates, a program that recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship through 4R practices.
“The world’s growing population depends on responsible agricultural practices to provide a steady supply of food,” Rosenbusch concluded. “Modern fertilizer techniques, such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship, precision agriculture, and enhanced efficiency fertilizers, are an essential part of this sustainable future, and TFI applauds the USDA investment in strengthening domestic fertilizer production capabilities, innovation, technology, and the responsible use of fertilizer by growers.”
For more information visit TFI.org or nutrientstewardship.org.