Hinson Advances Third Bipartisan Push to Lower Fertilizer Costs, Boost U.S. Production

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) helped introduce bipartisan legislation alongside Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) to expand capacity for domestic fertilizer production for small- and mid-sized fertilizer producers.

Right now, just four major companies control more than 75 percent of the global fertilizer market, leaving farmers with fewer choices and higher prices. Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Marshall (R-KS) and Klobuchar (D-MN) in the U.S. Senate.

“American farmers are struggling, and we should be using every option available to increase competition and grow our domestic supply of inputs like fertilizer. That’s why I’ve helped introduce this bipartisan bill that will help lower costs, shore up our supply chains, and break the chokehold a handful of companies have over the fertilizer market. I will not stop fighting until Iowa farmers get the relief and transparency they deserve.” — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“Our farmers are already dealing with tight margins and unpredictable markets—and global conflicts are only making things worse. When fuel and fertilizer prices spike, it hits our farmers first. This bill is about cutting through those challenges by investing in American production, lowering costs, and giving farmers more certainty so they can keep doing what they do best.” —Congressman Eric Sorensen

Background: 
The Homegrown Fertilizer Act would direct U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants and loans—up to $100 million per project—to help small- and mid-sized fertilizer producers have a real financial backing and make these projects succeed. Specifically, it would:

• Require dollar-for-dollar private sector match, ensuring companies have skin in the game, and includes safeguards to prevent consolidation, requiring repayment if a supported facility is later sold to a large fertilizer company. 

Hinson has led efforts to increase transparency and accountability in fertilizer markets, including introducing the Fertilizer Research Act and the Fertilizer Transparency Act to shine a light on factors driving high fertilizer costs and strengthen oversight for Iowa farmers. The congresswoman also addressed the need for long-overdue transparency in fertilizer markets with Secretary Brooke Rollins as she testified before the House Appropriations Committee. 

Read the full text of the bill here. 

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