“TFI thanks USDA Secretary Rollins and DOT Secretary Duffy for recognizing the essential need of getting fertilizer from production plants and retailers to farmers exactly when and where it is needed,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We are well into spring planting and the window farmers have to get their fertilizer applied is small. Expanding transportation flexibility can help alleviate strain within the system and help avoid any potential bottlenecks in the fertilizer supply chain, especially as we transition to summer and fall fill.”

HOS regulations mandate maximum driver hours and rest periods for commercial drivers. It is not uncommon for agricultural states to have seasonal waivers for HOS around peak planting or harvesting times. Waiving HOS regulations for fertilizer deliveries was a potential policy solution TFI shared with the White House in a letter earlier this month.

“First- and last-mile delivery of fertilizer is a crucial piece of the logistical journey fertilizer takes,” Rosenbusch explained. “Fertilizer moves in a variety of ways, but all fertilizer touches a truck at least once on its way to farmers’ fields and that is often the last part of the trip. This move by the administration will ensure that fertilizer doesn’t get “trapped” at distribution points”.

The HOS exemption will be in effect starting May 26, 2026 and runs through August 26, 2026.

“The fertilizer industry’s priority is ensuring farmers receive the nutrients they need safely, efficiently, and exactly when and where they are needed,” Rosenbusch concluded. “This temporary and targeted flexibility helps support spring planting while maintaining the industry’s strong commitment to transportation safety.”

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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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post Transportation Policy Change Supports Timely Fertilizer Deliveries to Farmers appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

“A safe, efficient, and modern transportation network is essential to keeping fertilizer and other agricultural inputs moving to farms and getting agricultural products to market,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “This legislation recognizes that the roads, bridges, rail crossings, and freight corridors connecting rural America are essential to our nation’s infrastructure and economic growth.”

TFI praised the bill’s strong focus on local roads and bridges that provide first- and last-mile connectivity between highways, farms, and agricultural facilities. TFI has long highlighted the importance of these routes to the agricultural supply chain, including through its support of the bipartisan Agricultural & Rural Road Improvement Program Act (H.R. 4585), introduced by Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Josh Riley (D-NY) earlier in the 119^th Congress.  

“All fertilizer moves by truck at least once in its journey to the farm, and over 80 percent of agricultural freight tonnage moves by truck,” Rosenbusch said. “But too many of the rural roads and bridges farmers and agricultural supply chains rely on every day are outdated, weight-limited, or in need of modernization. That creates delays, inefficiencies, and higher transportation costs throughout the system.”

TFI also applauded the bill’s inclusion of provisions from the bipartisan VARIANCE Act to allow a 10 percent axle variance for dry bulk goods like fertilizer, helping account for natural load shifts while maintaining strong safety performance. The organization additionally welcomed provisions modernizing and streamlining seasonal commercial driver’s license issuance for agricultural workers.

All road users should pay for road and bridge construction and maintenance, yet that is currently not the case. TFI strongly supports the bill’s inclusion of annual fees on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, providing needed revenue to the Highway Trust Fund.

“We appreciate the leadership of Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, the bipartisan members of the Committee, and their hardworking staffers for the extensive work that went into developing this legislation,” Rosenbusch concluded. “This bill reflects a strong understanding of the importance of rural infrastructure to agriculture, supply chains, and the American economy.”

The post TFI Welcomes Highway Reauthorization Bill’s Strong Focus on Rural Infrastructure appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

“TFI thanks Secretary Rollins for hearing the concerns of farmers across the country and advancing practical solutions that support market transparency and provide farmers with additional tools and information to help navigate volatility in a global fertilizer marketplace,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Improving access to timely, consistent, and reliable market information can help strengthen understanding of fertilizer and crop input markets across the agricultural economy, including the important distinction between domestic production capacity and overall market share in a globally traded fertilizer marketplace.”

In testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry earlier this month, TFI supported establishing a Crop Inputs Economist within USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist to provide independent and consistent analysis and reporting on fertilizer and other crop input markets, including supply, demand, production, trade, and pricing trends. Accurate market analysis is especially important in fertilizer because domestic production figures alone do not represent the full competitive marketplace serving American growers.

“If there was only one thing policymakers took away from last week’s Senate hearing, it should be that growers, agriculture advocates, and the fertilizer industry all support efforts to improve transparency and strengthen communication across the agricultural supply chain,” Rosenbusch continued. “The fertilizer industry remains committed to working with Congress, USDA, and stakeholders across agriculture on solutions that support farmers and help ensure a stable and accessible supply of fertilizer products for American growers.”

The U.S. fertilizer industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and continues to make significant long-term investments in domestic production, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution networks to strengthen fertilizer availability and support a resilient farm economy.

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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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post TFI Welcomes Reinstatement of USDA Crop Inputs Economist appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

Rosenbusch will testify that the U.S. fertilizer industry supports market transparency and continued efforts to provide farmers and policymakers with timely and reliable information about fertilizer markets and supply chains.

“Farmers are facing economic pressures and uncertainty across agricultural markets,” said Rosenbusch. “The fertilizer industry is proud to work every day to ensure growers have access to the fertilizers they need, exactly where and when they are needed. Improved data sharing and market visibility can better inform farmer decisions while also strengthening supply chain resiliency.”

Rosenbusch’s testimony highlights TFI’s longstanding support for establishing a Crop Inputs Economist within USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist to provide independent and consistent analysis and reporting on fertilizer and other crop input markets.

Rosenbusch’s testimony also underscores the highly competitive nature of the U.S. fertilizer industry and the importance of maintaining a strong domestic production base while recognizing the realities of a global marketplace.

“The United States is one of only three countries with 20 or more fertilizer producers, and American companies compete fiercely with both domestic and global suppliers,” Rosenbusch continued. “At the same time, fertilizer markets are deeply influenced by global supply chains, geopolitical events, transportation systems, and trade flows.”

Also highlighted in TFI’s testimony is the industry’s continued investment in expanding domestic production, infrastructure, logistics, and innovation to support American farmers and strengthen supply chain reliability.

“Without farmers, there would be no fertilizer industry, and we have the best farmers in the world,” Rosenbusch concluded. “TFI and its members remain committed to working with Congress and the Administration on practical solutions that strengthen domestic production, improve supply chain resiliency, and support farmers across the country.”

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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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post The Fertilizer Institute Supports Market Transparency in Testimony Before Senate Agriculture Committee appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

That is why the conservation provisions in the Farm Bill are so critical.

Practical Solutions for Real-World Challenges

The Farm Bill recognizes that conservation and productivity go hand in hand. Programs that support nutrient stewardship help farmers get the most out of every acre while minimizing losses to the environment and improving efficiency.

This is where the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework plays a central role. By applying nutrients using the Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place, farmers can optimize performance while reducing environmental impact.

These are practical and proven tools that farmers can use every day.

The Importance of Trusted Advisors

One of the most promising aspects of the Farm Bill is its support for expanding the role of Certified Crop Advisers (CCA).

CCAs serve as a critical link between science and practice. They help farmers interpret data, adjust management plans, and respond to changing conditions in real time.

Allowing CCAs to take on a greater role in developing nutrient management plans ensures that farmers can access the expertise they need, when they need it.

Building on a Proven Model

U.S. conservation programs have a strong track record of success because they are built on collaboration. Farmers, industry, and government work together to achieve shared goals. The Farm Bill reinforces this model by continuing to invest in voluntary programs that deliver results without adding unnecessary complexity.

Benefits Beyond the Farm Gate

While the primary focus of these programs is supporting farmers, the benefits extend far beyond individual operations.

Improved nutrient management contributes to:

• Better water quality
• Healthier soils
• Increased efficiency across the agricultural system

These outcomes matter not only for farmers, but for communities and consumers as well.

A Forward-Looking Approach

The House passage of the Farm Bill is an important milestone, but work remains. As the legislative process continues, it is critical to maintain focus on policies that support farmers, strengthen conservation programs, and advance practical, science-based solutions.

Farmers are already doing the work. The Farm Bill helps ensure they have the support needed to continue leading the way. TFI and the fertilizer industry remain committed to working alongside farmers and policymakers to ensure that nutrient stewardship continues to be a cornerstone of American agriculture.

The post Empowering Farmers Through the Farm Bill: The Role of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

A Happy Accident at the University of Georgia

When Cutts was choosing a major, options in the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture simply looked interesting on a list. He had no farming background, no family connections to agriculture – but desired a tangibly impactful career What he found when he arrived at UGA’s College of A agriculture surprised him: a community he immediately loved, and a field of work that felt both intellectually serious and deeply practical.

“I always knew I didn’t necessarily have the practical farming background,” he says, “so I was really passionate about digging into that early on.” He did just that— stepping into a farm management role right after college and managing a turf farm from an agronomy perspective, It was a deliberate effort to build the foundation he felt he was missing, and it set the tone for a career defined by curiosity and range.

The real click came when he landed in Tifton, Georgia—home to UGA’s agricultural campus, surrounded by Georgia farm country. Working for ag faculty there, he realized he could pursue a research-based, science-driven career without leaving the hands-on world he’d come to love. “Here’s the hybrid I’m looking for,” he remembers thinking. He went on to earn advanced degrees and logged time in both public and private sectors, domestically and internationally, before arriving at his current role.

From Scatter to Systems: How a Diverse Career Paid Off

Cutts laughs when he looks back at his resume. “My career is a bit schizophrenic,” he admits. Crop nutrition, crop protection, international markets, farm management, research—he’s touched it all. But when he joined Tidal Grow AgriScience in October 2024, the scattered dots finally connected into a clear picture.

Tidal Grow sits at the intersection of plant nutrition and crop protection, with international expansion on the horizon. Cutts’s broad background—understanding genetics, overseas experience, cross-sector relationships—turns out to be precisely what that kind of organization needs in building a systems agronomy approach and team to execute it. “Everything I’ve done has prepared me to step into what I’m doing now with confidence,” he says.

The tradeoff, he acknowledges, is depth for breadth—jumping around means you cede some deep expertise in any single field. But his answer to that is his team. He works alongside specialists and sees his role as providing a higher vantage point: someone who can walk into almost any conversation, recognize the terrain, and help move the work forward.

10,000 Acres and a New Way to Feed Crops

Tidal Grow’s founders built the company around naturally derived core chemistry with applications that reach well beyond agriculture—from replacing microplastics in materials and heavy metals in water treatment to delivering safer crop inputs to farmers around the world. For Cutts, the most immediate and exciting piece of that mission is a foliar nutrition platform that’s been decades in the making.

“There hasn’t really been any significant innovation in how we deliver foliar nutrition in 30 or 40 years,” he says. His team completed a network of grower trials—more than 10,000 acres’ worth—to validate the technology before the team launched it into the market last fall. The product targets nitrogen management, one of the most consequential and contested challenges in modern agronomy. Nitrogen is simultaneously the most critical nutrient to yield and the one most under scrutiny for environmental impact.

Cutts is careful not to frame carbon footprint reduction as an add-on or a sacrifice. “It’s not going to happen at the expense of agronomy, farmer economics, and crop yields,” he insists. The pitch, instead, is better intake for optimized effectiveness: a grower who uses nitrogen more precisely gets a better return on investment. Environmental benefit follows from good agronomy, not from asking farmers to accept less.

Why Relationships Start at the Farm Gate

Ask Cutts what a typical day looks like and he’ll say: a lot of travel. Launching products from a startup—one without the name recognition of an established ag giant—means face-to-face time is non-negotiable. “Relationships are so important in agriculture,” he says, “and especially when you’re bringing solutions to market with a not-well-known technology.”

That relationship focus, he argues, starts at the farmer and works its way up through the entire supply chain. “We’re dealing with people’s livelihoods. We’re dealing with our food system.” Trust, he says, is the thing that has to be earned first—before any business detail gets resolved. He’s seen what breaks down when it isn’t.

Biochemistry, Bananas, and the Next Decade

When asked which trends will have the biggest impact in the next five to ten years, Cutts doesn’t hesitate: biochemistry. Biostimulants and biological solutions have been around for a while, but he believes the science has finally caught up to the promise. Novel crop protection molecules are running out; the industry is pivoting hard toward naturally derived solutions. “Now is the right time for those BioSolutions to really make an impact,” he says.

He makes the case for going global with a vivid example: the banana. Most Americans don’t know that the variety they eat today replaced one that was wiped out by disease in the 1950s. History, he warns, may be repeating itself—growers in Central and South America are running out of effective modes of action against a new pathogen. A safe, biodegradable solution could be a game changer, but only if companies are paying attention to what’s happening beyond U.S. borders.

“If you stay too focused on what’s around you, you’re going to miss the bigger picture,” he says. It’s an observation that applies equally to global markets, to career trajectories, and to the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship—the framework he keeps returning to as a guide for responsible agronomic practice. “The right source means nothing if it isn’t used the right way.”

The Lesson That Guides Everything

Of all the things – these years in agriculture has taught Trey Cutts, the one he comes back to is the simplest: empathy. It shapes how he leads his team, how he approaches difficult conversations, how he treats customers and competitors. “Everyone in agriculture, at the core of it, is trying to do the right thing,” he says. “Empathy helps me navigate that in a positive way.”

It’s a fitting north star for someone who stumbled into agriculture by accident and stayed because it kept showing him new ways to matter. “I started my career here,” he says of working close to the land, “and I hope to end it there as well.”

Listen to Trey’s Walkout Song:

The post From the Classroom to the Field: Trey Cutts on Science, Systems, and the Power of Empathy appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

“This action is especially important given the structural challenges in fertilizer logistics. The U.S. faces a classic mismatch between demand geography, where fertilizer is needed by farmers, and production geography, where fertilizer is produced,” explained TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Expanding transportation flexibility can help alleviate that strain.” 

By increasing access to additional shipping options, this temporary waiver will help mitigate cargo transportation challenges through greater availability of seagoing vessel port-to-port transportation and support farmers during the critical spring application season.

“It can cost significantly less to ship fertilizer internationally than between U.S. ports, where Jones Act requirements can nearly double transportation costs,” Rosenbusch said.

 The Administration’s effort reflects a recommendation shared by TFI in a March 9^th letter to the White House to help address transportation challenges impacting fertilizer availability. 

“We appreciate the Administration’s recognition of the importance of efficient fertilizer movement to American agriculture as we approach our narrow window of a few weeks to get fertilizer applied and crops in the ground,” Rosenbusch added. “The fertilizer industry remains committed to ensuring farmers have reliable access to the nutrients they need to grow the crops that feed communities across the country and around the world.” 

Additional information on fertilizer trade from this region and potential impacts 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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post TFI Welcomes Temporary Jones Act Waiver to Support Fertilizer Supply and Access appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

Several major fertilizer-producing countries in the region rely on the Strait of Hormuz for exports to global markets. Disruptions to this waterway could impact:

• ammonia: while the US does not typically import ammonia directly from this region, the removal of this product from the global market puts pressure on total global supply, elevating global prices
• urea: nearly 50pct of global urea exports originate from countries west of the Strait and transit through this critical waterway
• sulfur: an important fertilizer as well as a key input in the production of phosphate fertilizers, nearly 50pct of global sulfur exports originate from countries west of the Strait and transverse the Strait of Hormuz
• phosphates: Saudi Arabia is a top four global exporter of phosphates and the leading supplier of U.S. phosphates imports. With Chinese product off the market until August, the remaining producers are Russia and Morocco
• natural gas: a key feedstock for nitrogen fertilizers, 20pct of the world’s LNG makes its way through the Strait

As TFI has shared before, the fertilizer market is global and highly integrated. Supply disruptions in one part of the world can ripple across the trade routes and affect availability and price in other regions. While the United States is both a fertilizer producer and importer, those same global supply dynamics play a role in determining input costs for American farmers.

At this early time, the full extent of impacts to the U.S. fertilizer market remains uncertain. The total impact will depend on a number of factors with time being chief among them. TFI remains in close communications with our member companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural community.

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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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post TFI: Strait of Hormuz Closure & Impacts to Fertilizer appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

“TFI applauds Chairman Thompson for recognizing the important role that nutrient stewardship and conservation technologies play in helping farmers produce abundant, affordable food while protecting natural resources,” said TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Including these provisions in the draft Farm Bill reflects a practical, science-based approach to strengthening American agriculture.”

Of particular importance to TFI is the inclusion of a clear definition of plant biostimulants, as well as an exclusion to ensure that these innovative nutrition-based products are not regulated as pesticides. TFI also welcomes the draft’s prioritization of innovative technologies within conservation practice standards, including precision agriculture technologies, biological fertilizers, biostimulants, and enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs). By elevating these tools for potential cost-share eligibility, the draft legislation helps farmers adopt practices that reduce nutrient loss and improve production efficiency.

“Incentivizing precision agriculture and enhanced efficiency technologies through conservation programs is a smart investment,” added Rosenbusch. “These tools help farmers get the most out of their applied fertilizer and deliver economic benefits on the farm while enhancing environmental protections.”

TFI further welcomes language that would expand access to certified technical expertise and farmer adoption of science-based nutrient stewardship by providing a path for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) to be designated as technical service providers (TSPs) eligible to develop and receive reimbursement for Section 590 nutrient management plans.

“Certified Crop Advisors and other trained professionals play a critical role in helping farmers implement nutrient stewardship practices effectively,” said Rosenbusch. “Strengthening technical assistance capacity will increase participation and improve conservation outcomes nationwide.”

Together, these provisions represent meaningful progress toward a Farm Bill that supports farmer profitability, environmental stewardship, and agricultural innovation.

“TFI looks forward to continuing to work with Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig, and members of the Committee to advance a strong Farm Bill that supports farmer profitability and environmental protections, and allows farmers to produce the food that feeds our country and the world,” Rosenbusch concluded.

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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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post TFI Applauds Key Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship Provisions in Draft Farm Bill appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.

“The fertilizer industry is essential to feeding a growing global population, and sustainability remains at the core of our mission,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “From efforts to minimize production emissions to improving nutrient use efficiency on the farm, our industry is committed to reducing environmental impacts while enhancing agricultural productivity.”

Since 2013, TFI has tracked key sustainability metrics, offering insights into the industry’s advancements in nutrient stewardship, innovative products, worker safety, and efficient manufacturing. This year’s report includes compelling member stories and real-world examples of innovation shaping the future of fertilizer production and application.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Energy Efficiency: reporting companies generated 1.17 billion kwh of electricity from waste heat instead of fuel combustion.
• Water Stewardship: reporting companies recycled or reused 200 million gallons of water, equivalent to 1.5 billion single-use water bottles.
• Reducing Emissions: reporting companies captured 10.9 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent during the process of manufacturing fertilizer in 2024.
• Investing in Efficiency: reporting companies had a three-year average of investing $1.49 billion annually, helping to meet sustainability goals by increasing production efficiencies, reducing energy and water use, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To explore the full report and read member success stories, click 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 LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Fertilizer_Inst.

The post TFI Releases Sustainability Report Showcasing Industry Progress appeared first on The Fertilizer Institute.