Hawkeye Reporter

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have reintroduced the Fertilizer Research Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at examining factors affecting the cost of fertilizer for farmers. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market and how these impact prices.

Grassley, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, stated, “Fertilizer is one of the ag industry’s biggest inputs, and family farmers across the nation are severely hurting right now due to its high cost. Yet, farmers have a limited window into market fluctuations and how fertilizer prices are determined. That needs to change. Our bipartisan bill will give farmers in Iowa and across the Heartland more transparency and certainty so they can better navigate production costs.”

Baldwin emphasized support for rural communities: “Wisconsin’s farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and right now, they are facing all sorts of headwinds that are eating into their bottom lines and threatening their ability to make ends meet,” she said. “Fertilizer costs are often a huge expense for farmers and that’s why I am proud to work with my Republican colleagues to increase transparency and lower their input costs so they can continue to feed America.”

Ernst added, “Fertilizer is an essential tool our farmers rely on to maintain healthy soil and improve crop yields. I’m working hard to drive down fertilizer costs and make life more affordable for both farmers and consumers. By gaining a better understanding of the fertilizer industry, this research will provide the foundational knowledge needed to give farmers much needed clarity and certainty as harvest approaches.”

Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) has also joined as a cosponsor.

The Fertilizer Research Act has received endorsements from several major agricultural organizations including the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, Farm Action Fund, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), and Iowa Soybean Association.

Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association, commented on current challenges: “Corn growers are facing prices for fertilizers and other inputs that are unsustainable,” he said. “In fact, USDA projects that fertilizer alone will account for 36% of a corn grower's operating cost for 2025. So, we are deeply appreciative of Sens. Grassley and Baldwin for prioritizing this issue and introducing this legislation.”

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, said: “Farmers are getting squeezed on all sides by high input costs, corporate consolidation, and unfair markets. Fertilizer is a major part of that pressure. Studies like this increase transparency, providing a clearer picture of what’s driving price and supply. We thank Senators Grassley and Baldwin for introducing this legislation and recognizing that accountability and competition in farm inputs are essential if family farmers and ranchers are going to have a fair shot in the marketplace.”

Mark Mueller from ICGA highlighted local concerns: “The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sincerely appreciates Senator Grassley once again honoring our request for a study to review the competition and transparency within the fertilizer industry,” he said. “Fertilizer prices have continued to increase, putting pressure on Iowa corn farmers who are already faced with low corn prices and increased input costs, making profit margins slim or even nonexistent. We need to assess the fertilizer industry to better understand pricing practices, tariffs and the exertion of market power by companies within the industry. This request came directly from ICGA, and Senator Grassley’s continued commitment to corn growers is evident with reintroduction of the Fertilizer Research Act.”

Tom Adam from Iowa Soybean Association stated: “Fertilizer remains one of the highest and most unpredictable input costs for Iowa farmers yet we lack the transparency to fully understand what drives those fluctuations. The Fertilizer Research Act is an important step toward greater accountability in the industry and will provide farmers with clarity needed to better manage fertilizer cost.”

Mitch Eviston from Meristem Crop Performance pointed out potential benefits beyond price clarity: “The Fertilizer Research Act empowers farmers with tools they need to produce more bushels for less,” he said. “With current high fertilizer prices, farmers need clear insights into market dynamics and pricing practices. We’re especially encouraged by bill’s focus on emerging technologies like biologicals which offer additional tools to improve efficiency... This legislation supports agricultural innovation & competition — two key pillars of resilient American farms & productive U.S agriculture economy.”

If passed into law, within one year USDA would be required—after consulting with its Economic Research Service—to publish an online report detailing impacts on fertilizer pricing; trends over 25 years; effects from imported fertilizers; consequences from anti-dumping/countervailing duties; studies about concentration in industry; analysis on new technologies; as well as whether public price reporting meets needs for transparency.

Text of legislation is available HERE.