Author: cglen

TFI Says STB Final Rule on Demurrage a Positive for Shippers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applauded the Tuesday, April 6th issuance of a final rule by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding several demurrage billing data points for which TFI advocated.

“The final rule issued by the STB will provide fertilizer shippers with greater transparency and fairness regarding railroad demurrage charges,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Demurrage charges have increased dramatically – and often unfairly — following rail industry implementation of so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). Shippers are entitled to have the information they need to determine the justification of these charges.

Among the billing data points included in the STB’s final rule are the original estimated arrival time of each car, the time of receipt at the last interchange with the invoicing carrier, and the ordered in date and time.

“Fair and transparent demurrage charges are something TFI has been advocating for years,” Rosenbusch concluded. “Yesterday’s decision is a win for shippers, and we thank the Board for its efforts to modernize rail oversight.”

 

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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.

Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge Recipients Identified for Phase Two Trials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), along with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), announced the organizations and products selected for Phase two trials in the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges.  Collectively, the challenges aim to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFS) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water. The organizations partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the challenges. 

“For generations, we’ve seen how innovation has shaped modern U.S. agriculture into the most successful and efficient production system in the world,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “This public-private partnership represents the next generation of fertilizer technologies that will produce results for farmers and the land. I am proud to see several TFI members selected here as   industry leaders in adopting and promoting these new technologies.” 

“Corn farmers have a vested interest in using new technology that improves their operations and minimizes their environmental impact,” said NCGA President John Linder. “We are pleased to be a part of these Challenges and to work with these partners to promote sustainable farming practices that build up soil health, allowing farmers to improve productivity and profitability while also preserving natural resources for future generations.” 

The first of two Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, EEFs: Agronomic and Environmental Challenge, aims to identify existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Phase one included review and selection of product nominations by an expert judging panel. Phase two, to be initiated this spring, will include greenhouse trial evaluations of the winning products by researchers at IFDC. The products will be evaluated based on environmental, agronomic, and economic performance factors. 

“I am pleased to see the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge bridging the gap between good ideas and their implementation,” said Albin Hubscher, IFDC president and CEO. “Strategic partnerships such as this will continue to catalyze innovation in improving global soil health and closing the yield gap. IFDC anticipates exciting results from our evaluations of these products.” 

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful economic, environmental, and social effects. EEFs and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions to increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. These technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability. 

“The Nature Conservancy is excited to be part of the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges as a way to drive new innovations that will help farmers better understand which enhanced efficiency fertilizers may work best on their farm,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, director of strategic engagement for agriculture, The Nature Conservancy in North America. “We are strong advocates of the 4R approach to nutrient management and believe that the EPA and USDA’s science-based approach to the challenge will help farmers implement the 4Rs on their cropland.” 

The winners include (listed by company and product name): 

  • AgroLiquid: Pro-Germinator 
  • CHS Agronomy: Trivar 
  • Corteva Agriscience: Optinyte 
  • EuroChem Agro: ENTEC
  • Harrell’s: POLYON 
  • Koch Agronomic Services: CENTURO 
  • Koch Agronomic Services: SUPERU 
  • MicroSource: Hi-Test 
  • Nutrien: ESN 
  • Pursell Agri-Tech:  PurYield 
  • Renuvix: Renuvix CRFs 
  • SABIC: BCRU 
  • The Andersons: Struvite DG 
  • Timac Agro USA: Duo Maxx 
  • Timac Agro USA: Top-Phos 
  • Verdesian Life Sciences: AVAIL 

The second component of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge will identify novel pre-market technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields. Winners are expected to be announced in spring 2021. 

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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org. 

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. 

An independent non-profit organization, IFDC is active in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. Combining science-backed innovations, an enabling policy environment, holistic market systems development, and strategic partnerships, the organization bridges the gap between identifying and scaling sustainable soil solutions, resulting in improved household food security and enriched family livelihoods around the world. Using an inclusive approach, IFDC employs locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions that bring change at local, regional, and national levels. 

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TFI Celebrates EPA ENERGY STAR Certification of Three Fertilizer Manufacturing Plants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today celebrates three nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing plants for earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance. 

“We congratulate TFI members Koch Fertilizer and the J.R. Simplot Company for their recognition by the EPA for operating highly efficient plants,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The fertilizer industry is essential to our modern way of life and our members have made minimizing the environmental impact of crop nutrients a key pillar of how they operate. This certification by the EPA shows that when it comes to environmental stewardship the fertilizer industry doesn’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.”

Two Koch Fertilizer plants earned 2020 EPA ENERGY STAR certification, one in Beatrice, Nebraska and the other in Enid, Oklahoma. Simplot’s recognized facility is in Helm, California.

“Koch’s facility in Beatrice and Simplot’s facility in Helm earned certification last year, as well,” Rosenbusch continued. “Earning this designation from the EPA two years in a row shows that our industry is serious about the role we play in not only feeding the world but doing so in a sustainable way for the long-haul.”

Manufacturing plants that are verified to be among the most energy efficient within their sector are eligible to earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification. To measure energy efficiency, EPA worked with the fertilizer industry to develop an Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) for nitrogenous fertilizer plants. ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.

“Environmental issues play a large role in TFI’s recently released 2021 public policy priorities, specifically the important role that the fertilizer supply chain plays in being part of the solution to address the many challenges of a changing climate,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We are proud of the accomplishments of TFI members Koch and Simplot and will continue pushing for industry innovations that lessen environmental impacts and protect the communities in which we operate as we help to grow the food, fuel and fiber to feed our country and world.”

TFI’s 2021 public policy priorities can be found here.

TFI Congratulates Administrator Regan, Ready to Work Together

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today released the below statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Michael Regan as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator.

“TFI and the fertilizer industry congratulate Michael Regan on being confirmed as EPA administrator. Our number one goal is to ensure the fertilizer industry is able to continue feeding the world sustainably. We are committed to environmental stewardship and ready to work with Administrator Regan and agency staff on achieving shared priorities.

“TFI welcomes Administrator Regan’s established record of listening to all stakeholders, a history of working to find practical solutions to environmental issues, and of using sound science and data to guide the decision-making process while serving in North Carolina’s top environmental post. Environmental issues play a large role in TFI’s recently released 2021 public policy priorities, specifically the important role that the fertilizer supply chain plays in being part of the solution to address the many challenges of a changing climate.

“We feel confident that Administrator Regan possesses the skills and leadership necessary to tackle tough issues while ensuring the fertilizer industry can continue to innovate to lessen environmental impacts as we help to grow the food, fuel and fiber to feed our country and world.”

TFI’s 2021 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 Releases 2021 Policy Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released its list of 2021 public policy priorities for working with the Biden Administration, as well as a closely divided 117th Congress.

“Our number one goal is to ensure the fertilizer industry is able to continue feeding the world sustainably within a legislative and regulatory environment that allows for industry growth and innovation,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “The policy priorities identified and approved by our members illustrate the industry’s focus on the safety and security of employees and the communities in which they operate, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and the efficient use of energy.” 

TFI’s priorities are broken down into six key areas: safety and security; energy and economic growth; environment; innovation; trade; and transportation and infrastructure.

“While safety and security are always the number one priority for our members, the environment is also at the top of the list. Specifically, the important role that the fertilizer supply chain plays in being part of the solution to address the many challenges of a changing climate,” Rosenbusch continued. “The fertilizer industry is essential to our modern way of life and our members have made minimizing the environmental impact of crop nutrients a key pillar of how they operate. We want to see that reflected in public policy. It is absolutely critical that any climate change policies or initiatives must not impact our ability to provide farmers with the crop nutrients they need.”

Rosenbusch says that some of that is offense and some of that is defense. An example of offense is TFI’s work to promote the important role agricultural retailers have in providing agronomic assistance and expertise to farmers looking to implement   sustainable fertilizer practices such as the 4Rs, which is utilizing the right source of fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. “The 4Rs are a scientifically proven method of getting maximum crop yield while significantly reducing environmental impacts, such as run-off, and any state nutrient loss reduction plan must include the 4Rs as a backbone to handling crop nutrients.” Agricultural retailers are also well-positioned to assist their farmer customers interested in participating in voluntary, market-based carbon markets that incentivize the implementation of fertilizer best management practices on the farm which are proven to help sequester carbon in the soil. 

On defense, Rosenbusch says it is mostly about the unintended consequences of policies. “On the issue of greenhouse gas emissions, U.S. production of nitrogen fertilizers is both energy-intensive and trade exposed. We need to make sure that policies are not put into place that send production to areas of the world that do not use more efficient production methods and lack the same type of environmental protections we have in the U.S. Greenhouse gas emissions are a global issue and discouraging efficient production in the U.S. in favor of a dirtier process overseas actually harms the environment more than it helps.”

Tony Will, Chairman of the TFI Board of Directors and President & CEO of CF Industries, Inc., added, “The fertilizer industry in the United States is proud of its legacy of ensuring the food security for our fellow citizens and for the world in a sustainable manner. Our public policy priorities are a roadmap to build on these contributions and to help address the challenges before us, particularly for the environment. We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress on solutions that advance our shared commitment to a better and healthier world.”

While TFI will be heavily focused on environmental policy, the issues of trade, infrastructure and safety & security all are critical to the industry, as well. “TFI supported the USMCA and are hopeful that the Biden Administration will be seeking to update existing and creating new trade agreements that promote open markets and fair competition,” Rosenbusch continued. “Trade is incredibly important specifically to our industry, but also to our grower customers that are quite literally feeding the world and need fair access to new and expanded markets.”

Infrastructure is critical to the fertilizer industry because of the just-in-time nature of demand. “Fertilizer needs to be delivered to growers exactly when and where they need it and there is not much room for error. When the optimal window opens   it has to happen, and the industry must  be ready and ensure the materials are all in place,” explained Rosenbusch. “Bottlenecks due to road or bridge closures or delays because of crumbling locks and dams have the potential to be devastating to applying crop nutrients when they are most needed for healthy growth and strong yields.”

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 new Congress.”

TFI’s full list of 2021 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 Confirmation of USDA Secretary Vilsack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today released the below statement congratulating Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“TFI and the fertilizer industry congratulate Secretary Vilsack in his return to leading the Department of Agriculture and welcome the opportunity to work with him again in this important role. Secretary Vilsack has a strong record of working collaboratively with all stakeholders to find solutions to the many challenges faced by agriculture. We are confident that he has what it takes to lead USDA during these challenging times by providing farmers with the tools necessary to continue growing the food, fuel and fiber to feed the world.” 

 

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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 Congratulates President Biden, Looks Forward to Working with New Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement regarding the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States.

“The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) congratulates Joe Biden on his inauguration to serve as the 46th President of the United States. President Biden’s long history of public service in Washington, D.C., his extensive list of accomplishments and his long-standing relationships across party lines provide us with optimism as we work together to address the many challenges faced by the American people and our communities, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, environmental stewardship, the safety and security of our workforce and communities, energy, fair and free trade, infrastructure, and innovation. TFI looks forward to working with the Biden Administration and being a part of solutions that move America forward and allow the fertilizer and agriculture industries to continue doing what they do best, feed the world in a sustainable manner. Congratulations, President Biden.”

 

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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 & Biostimulant Coalition Unite to Focus on Regulatory Approval Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced that it and the Biostimulant Coalition have reached a formal agreement to form a “Biostimulant Council” and work together to advance policy and regulatory frameworks that increase biostimulant market access and encourage research and innovation. The Biostimulant Coalition is a non-profit group of interested parties cooperating to proactively address regulatory and legislative issues involving biological or naturally derived additives, including but not limited to bacterial or microbial inoculants, biochemical materials, amino acids, humic acids, fulvic acid, seaweed extract and other similar materials. The group was formed in 2011.
 
“We are happy to welcome the Biostimulant Coalition under the TFI umbrella,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Biostimulants are an important and growing area of crop nutrition. The Biostimulant Coalition has achieved great success as the voice of an emerging industry and we are excited about the potential to achieve even more with the additional resources of TFI fully behind the effort.”
 
“The partnership with TFI will provide the Biostimulant Coalition with all the tools we need to continue serving the membership we have, as well as growing those offerings,” agreed Biostimulant Coalition Executive Director, David Beaudreau, Jr. “TFI brings to the table a high functioning team of professionals and a full suite of legal, policy, regulatory, and communications resources.”
 
“The number one issue facing the biostimulant industry is not having a regulatory approval process that allows biostimulants to be marketed to or utilized by farmers,” concluded Rosenbusch. “TFI will be leading the way to change that and ensure the industry has a workable biostimulant definition, products have an approval path to market and scientifically defensible claims can be analyzed by growers to evaluate use on their crops.” 

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The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
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. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.  

Global Fertilizer Day is October 13

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced that Tuesday, October 13 is Global Fertilizer Day, an annual event celebrated around the world by the fertilizer industry in an effort to educate people about the importance of the fertilizer industry, its contributions to feeding both the global population and the global economy, and encouraging students to explore the many fulfilling career paths available to them within the industry.

“We are extremely proud of the fertilizer industry’s global role and believe we are lucky to be able to not only feed the world by putting food on peoples’ tables, but to feed economies by providing important and fulfilling careers and working tirelessly to innovate to be good environmental stewards,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “We feed the world, we do it sustainably, and we are proud of the women and men working in our industry to make it all happen. It is an honor to celebrate them, and that’s what Global Fertilizer Day is all about.”

In years past, facilities have opened their doors to local school students, elected officials and the general public for facility tours and presentations. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 celebrations have gone mostly virtual.

“TFI and the Nutrients for Life Foundation (NFLF) are jointly hosting a virtual learning event on October 13 focused on workforce development by highlighting available career pathways in the fertilizer industry,” continued Rosenbusch. The learning event consists of interviews with six individuals working in the fertilizer industry and includes a live Q&A with students after each session. “The individuals we’ve chosen to highlight represent a broad swath of available careers within the industry and include product engineers, equipment operators, a chef and a top government affairs professional.”

With group gatherings and in-person events largely curtailed this year, TFI is also helping the industry spread the word through social media channels. “TFI has put together some interesting facts about the industry for companies to share through their channels, and also a few short and fun videos,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We’re excited to share with the world the wonderful and amazing contributions the fertilizer industry makes to feed economies and populations, and also to excite potential employees of the future about the possibilities within our industry.”

More information about the TFI/NFLF virtual learning event 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 Releases Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study: Contributes $130 Billion to US Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released the Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study, highlighting the importance and economic contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry to the national, state and local economies. The study found that the fertilizer industry contributed over $130 billion and nearly 500,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2019.

“The fertilizer industry doesn’t just help grow the food on your dinner table, we also help grow the U.S. economy,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch.

Deemed an essential industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, fertilizer manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and distributors have a sustained positive impact on communities all across the nation.

“We often highlight that fertilizer is responsible for over half of the world’s food production, meaning without our industry we’d only have half as much food for the planet’s growing population,” Rosenbusch continued. “The data in the study shows that we’re not only feeding the world, we’re also feeding our national, state and local economies through direct and indirect employment and wages, the value of the crops and farm products produced with our plant nutrients, and the transportation and logistical network that moves plant nutrients to the farmers to be there exactly when they need them. The movement of fertilizer alone benefits our economy to the tune of nearly $9 billion annually.”

The publication of the study, conducted for TFI by John Dunham and Associates, is the culmination of months of compiling data including the direction contribution, supplier contribution and downstream positive impacts of the entire fertilizer industry value chain – from manufacturers to wholesalers, retailers and goods and service providers.

To learn more about the impact the fertilizer industry has on the U.S. economy please visit: http://economicimpact.tfi.org/

 

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