News Type: Press Releases

TFI Supports Amendment to Block EPA’s Harmful Proposed Rule on Air Quality Standards

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today reiterated its opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to tighten national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and voiced support for legislation to prohibit the EPA altering the standard at this time.

“TFI and the fertilizer industry remain firmly opposed to EPA’s proposed rule to lower the threshold standards for fine particulate matter,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “And we aren’t alone. TFI joined over 70 other industry groups in a letter articulating the devastating economic impact this rule would have, as well as the faulty reasoning behind the change.”

According to the government’s own data, PM2.5 emissions have declined by over 40% over the past twenty years, and they continue to go down. Additionally, the current rule balances environmental protection with robust commercial and industrial activity.

“Only two years ago the EPA confirmed that the current standard is protective of public health and the environment,” Rosenbusch continued. “They have not provided any reasoning as to what has changed in the past two years aside from the fact that these emissions continue to decline.”

The current PM NAAQS was set in 2012 under the Obama Administration and has dramatically reduced air pollution across the county. The biggest hurdle a lowered standard would create for industry is that as NAAQS levels have continued to be lowered, and industry continues to adapt through technology and innovation, there becomes a point where further air quality controls will not be able to achieve the reductions of a lowered NAAQS. Implementing these lower thresholds for attainment will have the unintended consequence of reducing domestic fertilizer production if attainment in the U.S. becomes overly burdensome.

“The need to strengthen the domestic fertilizer industry has been made clear by multiple global crises and echoed by the Biden Administration, now is not the time to hamstring fertilizer production by making new production facilities or the expansion of existing production more difficult or, in many instances, impossible,” Rosenbusch concluded. “The fertilizer industry prides itself on innovation and sustainability and environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of how our industry operates, from production to farmer use. TFI does not support lowering NAAQS levels and instead believes that the EPA should retain the current PM NAAQS.”

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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 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.

New Fertilizer Industry Foundation is Formed

 

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the consolidation of industry-supported organizations into the FERT Foundation, which will be dedicated to ensuring that education, research and training is conducted under a single umbrella. The new foundation will bring the work of the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation (FFF), Foundation for Agronomic Research (FAR), and Nutrients for Life Foundation (NFLF) together and ensure that the industry’s resources are used for maximum impact.

The three pillars of new FERT Foundation are fertilizer education, research, and training. Fertilizer education will continue under the Nutrients for Life program name. Training will operate under the Ford West Leadership Academy. Research will combine priorities of the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation and the Foundation for Agronomic Research. The new Foundation will be a separate 501(c)3 organization, and will be a private foundation, serving the needs of the fertilizer industry. TFI members will direct its activity.

Goals of the FERT Foundation include:

  • Building greater understanding of the tremendous benefits afforded by using fertilizers, including an understanding of the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Developing easily digestible research summaries for dissemination to retail agronomists.  
  • Building a body of research that is being used in education and with regulatory agencies.
  • Spearheading a leadership program designed specifically for fertilizer industry members.
  • Fostering and promoting careers in nutrient science and education – including 4R Nutrient Stewardship to a diverse audience of learners and educators.

 The first annual Ford West Leadership Academy will be held January 15-18, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Further details, including a preliminary schedule and registration information are available here.

“The aim of the FERT Foundation is a world in which fertilizers are understood and appreciated, scientific research supports advocacy for sustainable fertilizer use, and an engaged, informed and diverse workforce serves a thriving industry,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “By leveraging economies of scale and more closely aligning objectives, these organizations will better serve the industry than could the existing patchwork of stand-alone organizations.”

Further information on the FERT Foundation is available here.

 

 

 

TFI Statement on SCOTUS WOTUS Decision

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today issued the below statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett vs. Environmental Protection Agency, a case central to Waters of the United States (WOTUS) policy.

“The Fertilizer Institute welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. The decision, which strikes down the “significant nexus” test in determining what is considered a Waters of the United States, is a win for agriculture. While regulatory interpretation from the EPA will take time, the SCOTUS decision is a great first step in providing the clarity that the fertilizer industry needs for long-term planning and capital investments that will allow us to continue providing the critical nutrients that feed the crops that feed our communities.”

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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.

Shark Week in St. Louis – A Successful Growing Season Starts at InfoAg

Retailers and crop advisors will find answers to some of the hottest questions about precision agriculture, crop input product innovation, and sustainability at the 2023 InfoAg Conference, scheduled for June 27-28, in St. Louis, MO. The conference’s opening keynote is Troy Bolt, Vice President and General Manager for Simplot Grower Solutions, who will be speaking on Simplot’s Perspective of the Future of Agriculture and Ag Retail.

Wednesday’s luncheon keynote is not your average Illinois grain farmer. Rob Sharkey, better known as the SharkFarmer, is a risk taker and out-of-the box thinker who believes everyone has a story to tell. Sharkey’s authenticity and ability to tackle controversial issues and share the triumphs and struggles of the modern farmer has catapulted him onto Sirius XM, PBS, Acres TV, and 6 Seasons (and counting) of SharkFarmer TV.

Don’t settle for an imitation – InfoAg is the only conference of its kind that is programmed by retailers and crop advisors for their peers. InfoAg attendees can be assured that the topics they care most about are on the agenda.

Sessions and speakers include:

  • How to Make Use of On-Farm Data to Make Meaningful Management Decisions Dan Schaefer, IFCA; Eric Miller, 4R Grower
  • Blending Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers Into 4R Fertility Programs Dr. Greg Schwab, Koch
  • Measuring a Field: 60% of the Time It Works Every Time… Nathan Faleide, Earth Observations
  • Understanding the Basics of Soil Testing John Breker, AgVise Labs
  • Panel: Tech Booms of the Past: Why Some Technology Has Failed and Some Has Thrived Dan Burdett – Moderator; Dr. Randy Taylor, Oklahoma State; Dr. Scott Shearer, Ohio State University; Aman Anand, Nutrien Ag Solutions
  • Understanding the Regulatory Environment and Necessary Considerations for Biostimulants Dr. Mark LeBlanc, OISC Purdue
  • Panel: The Future of Carbon Markets Keith Byerly, Mosaic – Moderator; Clay Edwards, Cargill; Jamie Ridgely, Truterra
  • What Is Soil Health? And How to Improve It On-Farm Dr. Jordan Wade, University of Missouri
  • How to Incorporate Fluid Fertilizer Into Your Fertility Programs Chris Underwood, Alchemy Experts

InfoAg also features a robust trade show which allows participants to learn about the latest products and services and opportunities to benefit their farmer customers.

Please use the following links to find more information on registering  to attend or exhibit at InfoAg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Welcomes Legislation Supporting Ag Research

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised Congress for introducing the Advancing Cutting Edge (ACE) Agriculture Act. Introduced in the Senate on March 16th by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), and in the House of Representatives yesterday by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4), 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.

“With our global population expected to hit 10 billion people by 2050, farmers are constantly being asked to do more with less, while also being good environmental stewards by taking care of the land that takes care of us,” Rosenbusch said. “The fertilizer industry puts a strong focus on research and the farmer adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices and other methods that improve soil health, encourage the responsible and efficient use of fertilizer, increase crop yields, and minimize impacts to the environment, and welcomes additional government research into these areas.”

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.”

In its recently released Public Policy Priorities for 2023-2024, TFI has a direct focus on supporting the federal funding of 4R research and the inclusion of 4Rs in state plans to minimize nutrient loss from non-point sources.

“At the end of the day, food security is national security,” Rosenbusch concluded. “Fertilizer availability and smart application drive better yields, which in turn promote greater individual and collective health, wealth, and well-being. TFI strongly supports the ACE Agriculture Act and other legislation that will help American agriculture continue feeding the world in a sustainable way.”

 

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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 Biostimulant Legislation

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised Congress for introducing the Plant Biostimulant Act. Introduced by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) and Jim Baird (R-IN-4) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), the Plant Biostimulant Act will support the adoption of biostimulants by farmers and provide clarity to the emerging marketplace.   

“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.

“The lack of a regulatory framework inhibits research and puts the US behind Europe in product development,” Rosenbusch said. “Other countries are regulating biostimulants through a fertilizer lens and finding success. We are hitting a roadblock right out of the gate and need those guardrails to foster innovation, research, testing, and ultimately a path to market for these products.”

Biostimulants have the potential to enhance the existing environmental stewardship of growers and compliment 4R fertilizer practices.

“When we talk nutrient management, we are talking about minimizing losses to the environment, water quality, air quality, soil health, and all the other things important to the conservation and environmental communities. Biostimulants support environmental stewardship by improving the efficiencies of fertilizer application and soil health while also increasing crop yields,” Rosenbusch concluded. “With a growing population, demand for agricultural production continues to increase. The fertilizer industry is innovating to meet those demands and legislation like the Plant Biostimulant Act will allow that innovation to reach growers.”

 

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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 NEPA Reform, Will Make Fertilizer Production Stronger

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today welcomed the introduction of legislation that will speed up a burdensome, costly, and time-consuming permitting process that needlessly delays critical projects, including phosphate and potash mining. H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Scalise and co-sponsored by the Chairs of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Committee on Natural Resources, and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, will provide a streamlined and simplified permitting process for hard rock mining and other critical projects.

“Mining and permitting reform are vital to the fertilizer industry as potash and phosphate are two of the three essential crop nutrients critical to crop production,” Rosenbusch said. “Delays are measured in years and in the millions of dollars, with those paying the price being consumers who are already struggling with the rising costs of everyday goods.”

The delays Rosenbusch referenced include a permit to mine phosphate in Florida that took nearly 10 years and tens of millions of dollars in expert fees, studies, legal analysis, and legal fees; and a mining expansion permit for an existing mine that has been in limbo for over 12 years at a cost of over $25 million that has yet to be approved.

The fertilizer industry is asking Congress for a reliable and predictable permitting process to ensure that mining projects critical to the needs of US industry and consumers have a clear path forward towards compliance and approval.

“Farmers need an affordable and abundant supply of fertilizer,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We strongly support legislation that can make environmental reviews more efficient, reduce duplicative regulatory burdens, provide clear paths to approval, and put timelines in place to ensure our farmers have the fertilizers they need to grow the food on which we all depend.”

 

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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.