Perspective on Fertilizer Prices, Production and Possible Congressional Action

Why It Matters

Rising fertilizer costs and disrupted supplies threaten farm economics, crop planting decisions and food prices, making fertilizer security a near-term agricultural and trade policy priority. U.S. moves to ease permitting and finance domestic plants could reduce exposure to volatile global markets but will require significant public support and time to materialize.

Summary

At a Senate hearing and in subsequent interviews, Fertilizer Institute CEO Cory Rosenbush warned that recent geopolitical disruptions—notably attacks around the Strait of Hormuz—and government actions in countries like India have driven volatile global urea and sulfur markets, pushing fertilizer prices sharply higher and prompting production curtailments worldwide. Rosenbush said growers, lawmakers and the industry agree on the need for greater market transparency so farmers can make informed input decisions. He also urged U.S. policy action to onshore more production where viable—particularly nitrogen—while highlighting major hurdles: lengthy permitting, high capital costs and investor risk. The industry is seeking federal support including loan guarantees, low-interest financing and targeted permits to accelerate domestic capacity.

Original Description

On the Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 episode of Agriculture of America, we were joined by The Fertilizer Institute's President and CEO, Corey Rosenbusch, for a recap of last week's Senate hearing on the farm economy, input prices and the cost of fertilizer. He also shares thoughts on reported production curtailment, price action and more. More at https://www.tfi.org.

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