Category: Critical Minerals

TFI Praises Congress for Supporting Phosphate and Potash as Critical Minerals in Letter to DOI’s Burgum

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised members of Congress in both chambers for joining a letter sent to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of phosphate and potash being included on the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The letter, a bipartisan and bicameral effort led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), included 41 members from Congress.

“We thank Senators Ernst and Slotkin and Representatives Cammack and Panetta for working together and uniting a bipartisan voice urging the Secretary of the Interior to rightfully recognize the essential nature of phosphate and potash,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The majority of the world’s phosphate and potash resources are concentrated in only a few countries, leaving them open to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical instability. The events of the past few years have shown us that food security is national security and now is the time to change how we talk about these vital resources.”

The United States imports roughly 98% of its potash needs, the bulk of which, about 85% from Canada. Only 14 countries in the world produce potash, with China, Belarus, and Russia accounting for over 40% of global production. Regarding phosphate, China and Russia account for over 50% of global production.

The letter to Secretary Burgum makes the case that phosphate and potash clearly meet the criteria to be defined as a critical mineral and noting that, “…their significance for U.S. national security, food security, and American farmers is especially critical…”

“Without these two minerals, modern agricultural systems would crumble and the ability to feed our growing population would be nearly impossible,” Rosenbusch concluded. “It is vital that we take proactive steps to secure our own agricultural future by recognizing the role these minerals play in putting food on our tables.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.

Understanding Potash

Potash is commonly used to refer to water-soluble potassium compounds used in agriculture. The name comes from a process developed around the 14th century that involved boiling wood ash in large iron pots until the water evaporated, leaving behind “pot ash.” This potassium-rich substance was used as fertilizer to help improve crops.

Potash is more than just a historical artifact in agriculture; it represents a broad category of potassium-based fertilizers crucial for healthy plant growth. Potash contains potassium, a primary nutrient for plants, which, along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), aid in several critical plant functions. Potassium helps with water retention, protein synthesis, and strengthening plant stems and roots, increasing the durability and yield of crops. By including potash, farmers can achieve higher crop yields and improve the quality of food production worldwide.

Today, potash is primarily mined from underground deposits formed from ancient seabeds. When these seabeds evaporated, they left behind minerals, including large amounts of potassium chloride (KCI), which is used to produce MOP – Muriate of Potash, the most common potash fertilizer.

MOP accounts for over 80% of global potassium consumption. MOP helps to strengthen plants, improve yield, and boost water retention. Due to its potassium chloride content, MOP is used on various cereal crops, such as wheat and corn, root crops like beets and turnips, and even rice and cotton.

Sulfate of Potash, or SOP, is made of potassium sulfate (K2SO4). Due to its lack of chloride and inclusion of sulfur, SOP is an excellent choice for chloride-sensitive crops like tomatoes, potatoes, almonds, and leafy greens like spinach and lettuce. SOP is a smaller market segment, accounting for about 10% of the global potash market.

Most of the world’s potash reserves are found in Canada, Russia, and Belarus, collectively accounting for around 77% of the world’s potash reserves. As a result, any disruptions to these countries, such as environmental, political, or infrastructural, could directly impact potash’s global availability and pricing. The global reliance on potash highlights its pivotal role in meeting an ever-expanding population’s growing food demands.

Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, primarily sourced from the vast deposits in Saskatchewan, across the border from Montana and North Dakota. The Saskatchewan province is critical to the potash market, accounting for about 30% of global supplies. United States farms are a major consumer of Canadian potash. Approximately 85% of all potash in the U.S. is imported from Canada. This is due to the shared border and integrated supply chain that simplifies transporting Canadian potash to fertilizer retailers and farmers who rely on potash to improve the nutritional value of various crops, from grains to vegetables and fruits.

The continued use of potash over hundreds of years is a testament to its effectiveness, and its importance in agriculture cannot be overstated. Even today, the role of potash remains critical for all farmers. Potash’s enduring legacy in agriculture underscores its vital role in global food security and farming, ensuring that this historic yet indispensable resource enriches our soils and nourishes our crops.

TFI: Canadian Rail Stoppage Resolution Critical

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today continued to push for a resolution to the rail stoppage in Canada after Thursday saw the shutdown of Canada’s rail networks saying that the impacts from even a short stoppage could have significant and long-lasting consequences.

“Rail transport is the backbone of North America’s supply chain, and fertilizer and agriculture are among the most dependent on rail service,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch, noting that the ripple effect will extend to the entire agricultural industry. “The interconnected and time-specific nature of agriculture means that even short-term disruptions to one segment have wide-ranging implications, affecting everything from grocery store prices to international trade.”

Fertilizers are critical inputs that must reach farmers at specific times during the year to ensure a successful harvest. Canada is the world’s largest producer and the U.S.’s main supplier of potash, a vital potassium-rich mineral used in fertilizers; Canada is also crucial in meeting nitrogen fertilizer needs across the Northern Plains. Ninety percent of U.S. fertilizer imports from Canada arrived by rail, and rail is the primary mode of transportation in moving potash from Canadian mines to ports for export around the globe.

TFI and 34 other U.S. agriculture industry associations wrote leaders on both sides of the border earlier this week urging intervention to avoid disruptions to the cross-border supply chain.

“Given the potential for widespread disruption, it is imperative that Canadian authorities act swiftly to resolve any rail stoppages as the agricultural sector and consumers in both Canada and the United States cannot afford prolonged uncertainty,” Rosenbusch continued. “U.S. policymakers also must recognize the seriousness of this issue and urge Canada to prioritize negotiations and find a resolution quickly.”

The rail shutdown in Canada also highlights the glaring oversight of not including potash on the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Critical Minerals list.

“The argument against including potash as a critical mineral hinges on the fact that most of the U.S. supply comes from Canada, a stable and reliable trading partner. However, a Canadian rail stoppage shatters this notion, revealing just how vulnerable the U.S. is to disruptions in its potash supply chain,” Rosenbusch explained. “Potash undoubtedly fits the definition of a mineral with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption and essential to our nation’s economy and national security.”

The Canadian rail shutdown exposed additional vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain and underscores the need for a more robust strategy to protect essential agricultural inputs.

“Food security is national security, and protecting the supply chain of essential agricultural products like potash is critical to the wellbeing of both nations,” concluded Rosenbusch. “Action must be taken now to ensure that our food systems remain resilient and capable of withstanding future challenges.”

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org and follow us on Twitter at @Fertilizer_Inst. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org and on Twitter at @4rnutrients.