Category: Transportation

TFI Applauds Canadian Rail Resolution

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released the below media statement in response to the Canadian government ordering binding arbitration in the labor dispute between Teamsters Canada and the CN and CPKC railroads:

“TFI applauds the Canadian government’s efforts to take action to get the rail system moving again as quickly as possible. The economies of Canada and the United States are closely intertwined, and a dependable and reliable rail network is necessary to support the cross-border fertilizer supply chain and facilitate the movement of critical agricultural inputs on both sides of the border. We also thank US government officials for their engagement with both the industry and their counterparts in Canada. TFI looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers on strengthening supply chains and domestic fertilizer supply and production.”

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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.

The Vital Role of WRDA: How Inland Waterways Support the Fertilizer Industry and Your Dinner Table

We’re diving into a topic that might not always grab the headlines but is crucial for a steady food supply: the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation, along with our inland waterways, plays a key role in supporting the fertilizer industry and agriculture.

What is WRDA?

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is pivotal U.S. legislation that authorizes and prioritizes water resource projects, including dams, levees, ports, and inland waterways. WRDA ensures that the US Army Corps of Engineers has the appropriate direction for maintaining and improving our waterway infrastructure, preventing disruptions, and supporting the agricultural industry by facilitating efficient transportation of goods like fertilizers.

Why Inland Waterways Matter

Inland waterways are the hidden highways of our transportation network, essential for moving goods smoothly across the country. For the fertilizer industry, these waterways are vital. Fertilizers are bulky and heavy, making water transport efficient and cost-effective. Regular Congressional action on WRDA bills keeps this infrastructure in top shape, ensuring fertilizers and other essentials reach farmers efficiently.

Investing in water infrastructure through WRDA isn’t just about maintaining old systems—it’s about making them more efficient and reliable. This often includes the construction of whole new lock facilities to meet modern requirements. This means smoother transport, lower costs for producers and consumers, and a stronger, more resilient economy.

The Case for Investing in Waterway Infrastructure

Many locks and dams in the U.S. are over 90 years old, some dating back to the 1930s. This aging infrastructure urgently needs maintenance and upgrades to prevent significant delays and disruptions. Portions of the inland waterway network in poor condition act as bottlenecks due to the need for unscheduled maintenance, with each day of delay depriving crops of essential nutrients, resulting in lower yields and higher costs, which can lead to higher prices for consumers. Many of our oldest locks are only half the size needed for modern tug and barge traffic.

Investing in waterway infrastructure is crucial for efficiency, safety, and economic stability. Upgrading our lock and dam systems ensures smoother, more reliable transportation, reduces costs, and enhances economic stability. WRDA plays a critical role by prioritizing essential maintenance and upgrades, transforming old systems into efficient networks.

Key WRDA Legislative Support and Benefits

TFI supports the enactment of a final WRDA bill before the end of 2024. Thankfully, both the Senate and House have passed their versions of the legislation. TFI is especially supportive of a provision advanced by the Senate which would propose changing the cost-share for waterway projects from the current 65% general revenues/35% Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) split to 75% general revenues/25% IWTF. Bringing more general revenue dollars towards inland waterway projects accelerates funding for critical construction and rehab projects, saving taxpayers money and speeding up project completion.

Addressing the maintenance backlog, estimated at billions of dollars, is an investment in our future. Well-maintained waterways enable the fertilizer industry to transport goods quickly and reliably, ensuring farmers receive supplies on time. This leads to better crop yields and stable food prices.

Positive Consequences of WRDA Reauthorization

Recent progress in advancing the WRDA bills has been remarkable, with strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. The Senate’s bill even received unanimous approval, showcasing a unified commitment to enhancing our water infrastructure. This legislative progress promises a brighter future for our waterways and the agricultural sector.

With the right policies in place, WRDA reauthorization ensures:

  1. Efficient Transport: Fertilizer moves smoothly along well-maintained waterways.
  2. Timely Delivery: Farmers receive the fertilizer they need without costly delays.
  3. Healthy Crops: Proper nutrients from fertilizer promote healthy crop growth and high yields.
  4. Stable Prices: Higher yields mean more supply, helping to stabilize food prices.
  5. Happy Consumers: Enjoy your favorite foods without breaking the bank.

Let’s Wrap It Up

WRDA and our inland waterways are critical components of the fertilizer industry’s supply chain. Investing in this infrastructure ensures that farmers get the supplies they need, crops grow efficiently, and food prices remain stable. So, next time you enjoy a fresh salad or a hearty bowl of pasta, take a moment to appreciate the complex system that helps get that food from the farm to your table. It’s all connected, and it all starts with smart investments in our waterway infrastructure. By supporting these efforts, we can keep our food system strong, our economy stable, and our communities thriving.

Tune in to the Fertilizer 101 Podcast for Episode 1: Fertilizer & Railway Safety

Ever wonder how the fruits, veggies, and grains that feed our nation get the nutrients they need? The answer lies in fertilizers. But have you thought about how these crucial substances get to where they’re needed safely and efficiently? This week on the Fertilizer 101 Podcast, we’re shifting tracks to focus on an issue that impacts us all: Railway Safety.

Episode 1: Fertilizer & Railway Safety

Why Should You Care?

Railways are the veins that connect the heart of our agricultural centers to the rest of the country. Safe transport of fertilizer isn’t just a farmer’s concern—it affects us all!

What’s on the Agenda?

  • The importance of regulations for transporting potentially hazardous materials
  • The safety measures taken to ensure railway safety
  • Regulations and innovations we can expect for the future

Don’t let this train of knowledge pass you by! Listen to Fertilizer 101, and get on board with railway safety today!

TFI Welcomes STB’s Proposed Rule on Reciprocal Switching

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised the unanimous decision by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on providing rail customers access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor rail service.

“TFI has long advocated for reforms such as reciprocal switching to promote competition and enhance rail service. Market-based incentives will encourage rail carriers to be more customer-oriented,” Rosenbusch said. “The unanimous, bipartisan vote is a clear acknowledgement by the STB that these challenges must be addressed.”  

The proposal from the STB would provide a streamlined path for rail customers to obtain a reciprocal switching order by including specific, objective, and measurable criteria for determining if they are eligible. That criterion includes measures of service reliability, service consistency, and adequacy of local service. The proposal would also standardize these three service metrics across all Class 1 carriers for the first time.

“Over 60% of fertilizer moves by rail and is therefore critical to the on-time delivery of fertilizer to farmers exactly where and when they need it,” concluded Rosenbusch. “We thank Chairman Oberman and all of the Board Members for their efforts to improve rail service. TFI looks forward to participating in the comment process and enactment of this important reform.”

 

 

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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.

TFI Welcomes STB’s Proposed Rule on Reciprocal Switching

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised the unanimous decision by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on providing rail customers access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor rail service.

“TFI has long advocated for reforms such as reciprocal switching to promote competition and enhance rail service. Market-based incentives will encourage rail carriers to be more customer-oriented,” Rosenbusch said. “The unanimous, bipartisan vote is a clear acknowledgement by the STB that these challenges must be addressed.”  

The proposal from the STB would provide a streamlined path for rail customers to obtain a reciprocal switching order by including specific, objective, and measurable criteria for determining if they are eligible. That criterion includes measures of service reliability, service consistency, and adequacy of local service. The proposal would also standardize these three service metrics across all Class 1 carriers for the first time.

“Over 60% of fertilizer moves by rail and is therefore critical to the on-time delivery of fertilizer to farmers exactly where and when they need it,” concluded Rosenbusch. “We thank Chairman Oberman and all of the Board Members for their efforts to improve rail service. TFI looks forward to participating in the comment process and enactment of this important reform.”

 

 

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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.

TFI Releases 2023-2024 Public Policy Priorities

ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released its list of 2023-2024 public policy priorities for working with the Biden Administration, regulatory agencies, and a closely divided 118th Congress.

“With the 118th Congress underway, we are strongly advocating for policies that ensure the fertilizer industry is able to continue feeding the world sustainably through innovation, efficiency, and legislative and regulatory updates that are long overdue,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We’re also very much looking forward to engaging on the Farm Bill and finding bipartisan solutions that will strengthen farmers’ bottom lines and environmental stewardship.”

TFI’s priorities are broken down into seven key areas: Economic Growth & Competitiveness; Transportation & Infrastructure; Environment; Safety & Security; Farm Bill Reauthorization; Permitting & Registration; and Innovation.

“Fertilizer is a globally traded commodity and heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Over the past two years we have seen major market disruptions that make clear the need to strengthen domestic production,” Rosenbusch continued. “The Biden Administration’s $500 million grant program is a great start, but what the industry needs is significant change in permitting policy, and ensuring producers have access to critical inputs and affordable energy.”    

Those changes include reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which sets forth a convoluted, time consuming, and expensive permitting process; the designation by the United States Geological Service (USGS) of phosphate and potash as critical minerals; and policies that ensure safe, secure, and reliable access to affordable energy.

“The Farm Bill for us is all about conservation and continuing to push for science-backed 4R Nutrient Stewardship adoption by growers and removing the existing barriers to grower adoption,” Rosenbusch said. “Policies we want to see included are recognizing Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) as Technical Service Providers (TSPs), which will enable greater cost-share opportunities for growers working with agricultural retailers. Additionally, we’re pushing for financial incentives to growers through use of the Conservation Service Model to utilize conservation and environmental best practices.”

Strengthening the domestic fertilizer industry and pushing for policies that promote grower adoption of nutrient stewardship practices are a heavy focus, but not the only ones eyed by TFI.

“Transportation and infrastructure are always big issues for us. Fertilizer needs to be delivered to growers exactly when and where they need it and there is not much room for error or delay,” Rosenbusch explained. “Supply chain disruptions have hit all industries hard, but fertilizer delays can lead to lower crop yields and less food. Fertilizer moves year-round via railways, highways, waterways, and pipelines, and we need a safe and reliable infrastructure network. Food security is national security, and fertilizer availability is paramount to keeping us all fed.”

Innovation and 4R research are two areas where TFI has hit the ground running, with the Plant Biostimulant Act and the ACE Agriculture Act both introduced in each chamber of Congress in March.

“Biostimulants are a relatively new innovation in agriculture,” Rosenbusch explained. “There is great potential in these products, but as with any new technology there are hurdles.”

Among the biggest of the hurdles mentioned by TFI’s Rosenbusch are the lack of a clear and consistent definition for “biostimulant” and the fact that there is no uniform framework to regulate them as plant nutrition products.

“TFI and our members are excited about biostimulants and we’re also introducing a Biostimulant Certification Program in the coming months. The aim of the program is to foster growth and farmer confidence in this innovative space,” said Rosenbusch.

The ACE Agriculture Act will help farmers by focusing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) research on critical areas such as soil health and increasing crop yields. The fertilizer industry has long supported agricultural research through the 4R Research Fund, as well as independent research that has focused on multiple crops, geographic locations, and methods to show farmers the beneficial outcomes of new technologies and farming practices. In addition to industry efforts through the 4R Research Fund, TFI is a year and a half into a nationwide goal of having 70 million US farming acres under 4R nutrient stewardship management by 2030.

“We’ve done the research and know that these practices have both environmental and economically beneficial outcomes associated with their implementation,” Rosenbusch continued. “But these practices are not one-size fits all and not only is each farm different, but each acre on each farm is unique and growers need to feel confident when implementing new practices. We believe more research directly from the USDA on these critical issues can only help farmers continue growing that confidence and lead to wider farmer adoption.”

TFI will use its member-driven public policy priorities to educate policymakers on the realities of an essential industry that is responsible for half of all food grown around the world. “Our industry is vital to ensuring our farmers can enrich the soil and grow the crops that feed the world and its growing population,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and the 118th Congress.”

TFI’s full list of 2023-2024 public policy priorities can be found here.

 

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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.

TFI CEO Rosenbusch Testifies at House Ag Committee Hearing on Agricultural Challenges

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today provided official testimony during the House Committee on Agriculture hearing Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture.

“Fertilizer is an essential tool for farmers to achieve the yields necessary to feed our growing world,” Rosenbusch said. “We appreciate the opportunity to shed light on current market dynamics and offer solutions to the pressures currently facing the U.S. agricultural sector. As always, the fertilizer industry is committed to ensuring adequate supply to meet farmer demand for the nutrients that are so essential to growing healthy and abundant crops.”

Rosenbusch focused much of his testimony on the fact that fertilizer is a globally traded commodity subject to international pressures and geopolitical events.

“Domestic production of fertilizer accounts for only 7% of global production and 90% of all fertilizer usage happens outside of the United States,” Rosenbusch continued. “Geopolitical events have been the biggest disrupter to fertilizer markets in recent years.”

The geopolitical events Rosenbusch referred to included sanctions on Belarus, which supplies 20% of the world’s potash supply; China, which is a major exporter of fertilizers, but last year imposed restrictions on fertilizer exports; and Russia, which has historically provided 20% of global fertilizer supplies as the world’s largest fertilizer exporter.

Rosenbusch then offered solutions and items Congress could act on to improve domestic production and supply.

“While Congress cannot control Russia and China, there are a number of areas where policy could have a positive impact on the agricultural sector,” Rosenbusch concluded. “Regulatory certainty is perhaps the most significant area Congress could help. Additionally, listing potash and phosphate as critical minerals, energy policy that supports an abundant and affordable supply of natural gas, permitting reform to streamline long delayed fertilizer projects, focusing on USDA conservation programs that empower agronomists and certified crop advisors to help farmers with nutrient management, and a focus on supply chain bottlenecks through improving rail service and promoting driver recruitment and retention.”

Rosenbusch’s oral statement can be found here

Rosenbusch’s full written testimony can be found here.

TFI’s full policy solutions document can be found here.   

 

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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.

TFI Applauds WRDA Reauthorization

ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applauds Congress for passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, a key piece of legislation related to our nation’s water infrastructure.

“Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is critical to agriculture and rural America’s competitive advantage in world markets, and WRDA provides vital support for that network,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “WRDA is the foundation for the modernization of our nation’s inland waterways and ports, which are an integral component of the fertilizer distribution system.”

Of particular importance, this year’s WRDA reauthorization makes permanent a cost-share structure for inland waterways projects where 65% of funding comes from the general treasury with the remaining 35% coming from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.

“Making the cost-share permanent will promote much needed investment for inland navigation projects, as well as provide confidence to industry that much needed maintenance and modernization of our inland waterway system will happen,” Rosenbusch explained. “On a ton-mile basis, approximately one-fourth of fertilizer moves on the inland barge system and these projects are absolutely critical to the safe and efficient distribution of fertilizers.”

Highlighting the importance of WRDA and the need for modernizing the country’s aging water infrastructure, Rosenbusch noted the 700 percent increase in unscheduled work stoppages for repairs of locks and dams built nearly a hundred years ago but designed only to last 50 years.

“These delays are not only disastrous for the farmers who receive much of the almost 70 million tons of fertilizer each year via our nation’s waterways, they can also raise the prices of everyday goods and food for consumers,” Rosenbusch concluded. “The fertilizer industry appreciates the bipartisan work of Congressional leaders that have made modernization of our inland waterways a priority.”

 

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