By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) has welcomed the administration executive order temporarily suspending countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, calling the move an important step toward lowering input costs for U.S. farmers.
For several years, MCGA has partnered with the National Corn Growers Association and other state corn organizations to advocate for improved fertilizer availability.
The groups have argued that restricted supplies and limited market competition have contributed to rising fertilizer prices, placing a heavy financial burden on producers.
"This is a significant win," said MCGA President Brian Lehman, a corn grower from Versailles, Mo.
"Fertilizer is one of the biggest expenses on our farms, and these duties made a difficult situation even harder. We appreciate President Trump for listening to farmers and signing this executive order to improve fertilizer availability ahead of next year’s corn crop."
The executive order pauses duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports for up to eight months while global supply challenges continue.
Morocco controls about 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves, and increased access to these imports is expected to improve fertilizer supplies and help reduce pricing pressure.
According to a Texas A&M University study, the duties increased fertilizer costs for U.S. farmers by nearly $6.9 billion between 2021 and 2025.
"This didn't happen overnight. Keeping fertilizer affordable has been one of Missouri Corn's top priorities because it's one of the biggest expenses growers face every year," Lehman said.
"It's encouraging to see our concerns finally reflected in federal action, but there’s still work to do to ensure farmers have a marketplace that is transparent, competitive, and fair."
MCGA said it will continue working with federal officials and industry partners as investigations into potential anti-competitive practices in the fertilizer sector move forward, with the goal of strengthening competition and supporting America’s corn growers.
Photo Credit: missouri-corn
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn