USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Other Principals Will Recap Efforts to Lower Fertilizer Prices.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a multi-pronged federal response to sharply elevated fertilizer costs, highlighting short-term trade and regulatory moves and longer-term domestic production investments. In recent weeks the administration has extended a Jones Act waiver to speed imports, lifted restrictions on Venezuelan fertilizer purchases, directed EPA rule changes affecting diesel exhaust fluid to boost urea output, and pressed antitrust scrutiny and private-sector commitments to keep supplies flowing. Rollins also touted technology and funding initiatives — including a $900 million fertilizer production expansion program and a national proving-grounds network for precision ag — to reduce future dependence on concentrated global suppliers. She framed the effort as urgent for this planting season while emphasizing structural reforms to prevent recurring price shocks.
USDA National Proving Grounds Network Initiative in North Dakota
The USDA announced a nationwide ag‑technology proving‑grounds network, with Grand Farm in North Dakota selected as the inaugural test site and national program manager. The initiative is backed by an $11 million cooperative agreement linking North Dakota State University, the USDA’s Agricultural...