Author: cglen

TFI Applauds House Passage of WRDA Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA).

TFI extends a special thanks to Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for their work on this bipartisan legislation. “Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is critical to agriculture and rural America’s competitive advantage in world markets, and WRDA provides vital support for that network,” said Rosenbusch. “WRDA is the foundation for the modernization of our nation’s inland waterways and ports, which are an integral component of the fertilizer distribution system.”

TFI is especially pleased with the inclusion of a key modification to the cost-share for inland waterways projects. “The cost-share change should steer more funding toward inland waterway projects,” Rosenbusch continued. “On a ton-mile basis, approximately one-third of fertilizer moves on the inland barge system and these projects are absolutely critical to the safe and efficient distribution of fertilizers.”

Highlighting the importance of WRDA and the need for modernizing the country’s aging water infrastructure, Rosenbusch noted the 700 percent increase in unscheduled work stoppages for repairs of locks and dams built nearly a hundred years ago but designed only to last 50 years. “These delays are not only disastrous for the farmers who receive much of the almost 70 million tons of fertilizer each year via our nation’s waterways, they can also raise the prices of everyday goods and food for consumers. The WRDA bill passed by the House today is a step in the right direction and I urge the Senate to take action and quickly pass a WRDA bill.”

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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 Applauds Extension of Key Security Program CFATS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch today applauds the President and Congress for extending the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program for three years.

“A long-term extension of the CFATS program is what the fertilizer industry supported and wanted to see. This provides industry the ability to properly plan and invest in measures that promote security at facilities.

“The secure and safe handling of fertilizers is the highest priority for The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and our members. We are proud of our industry’s security and safety record. Numbers speak for themselves and the fertilizer industry is twice as safe as our chemical industry peers. We actively participate in and sponsor numerous safety initiatives such as ResponsibleAg and TRANSCAER.

“We are particularly proud of the voluntary, industry-driven ResponsibleAg program. ResponsibleAg exists to enhance compliance by agricultural retailers with a variety of federal regulations, including those administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Since its creation over five years ago, over 3,400 audits have been completed and over 1,300 facilities have been certified by the ResponsibleAg program.

“Fertilizers are necessary to feed the crops that feed the world. Half of all food grown around the world today is made possible through the use of fertilizer. We are committed to ensuring that the world has the food, fuel and fiber it needs, and that fertilizer industry facilities are appropriately secure.”

 

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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.

CFATS Program Extension Is Great News for Fertilizer Industry

Bipartisanship does still exist, though often in short supply these days. Earlier this month, the Senate cleared a bipartisan three-year extension (S. 4096) of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. If it becomes law, S. 4096 will extend the current CFATS program through July 27, 2023. The House appears poised to pass this legislation when it returns for legislative work the week of July 20, clearing the way for the President’s signature.

In true compromise fashion, no one is getting exactly what they want, including The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and its coalition partners who were seeking an extension or bipartisan reauthorization of at least five years. Nevertheless, provided it becomes law, this is great news as it provides industry with much-need certainty for the next three years. Given the challenges facing us related to the COVID-19 pandemic, stability for the CFATS program is most welcome.

The CFATS program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), regulates the security of facilities that store or handle threshold quantities of more than 300 chemicals. Included in that list are a few fertilizers, including ammonia, ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Hundreds of fertilizer industry facilities are regulated by the program. TFI and its members support the program because it provides a good framework to ensure chemical facilities take the appropriate steps necessary to protect themselves from potential security and terrorist threats.

The safe and secure handling of fertilizers is a high priority for TFI and its members. TFI and many of our members actively participate in and sponsor numerous safety initiatives, including ResponsibleAg, TRANSCAER, the National Agronomic Environmental Health and Safety School, and the Advanced Tank Car Collaborative Research Program.

ResponsibleAg — which is a joint effort between TFI and the Agricultural Retailers Association — exists to enhance compliance by agricultural retailers with a variety of federal safety, security, environmental and transportation regulations, including those administered DHS, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). To date, over 3,400 audits have been completed and over 1,300 facilities have been certified by the ResponsibleAg program.

The Fertilizer Institute thanks Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) and Sens. Capito (R-WV), Lankford (R-OK), Inhofe (R-OK), and Carper (D-DE) for their bipartisan work on S. 4096. TFI also thanks their counterparts in the House, including Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR) for their support for advancing the three-year compromise.

 

TFI Looks Forward to USMCA Implementation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch released the following statement regarding the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  

TFI applauds President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for their bipartisan efforts to put American workers and industry in a position to be able to compete on the global stage by ensuring that markets remain open and fair.

“We look forward to the implementation of the USMCA, which is an emphatic win for agriculture and the millions of hard-working men and women who grow the food, fuel and fiber that feeds our growing world. Canada and Mexico are our two largest agricultural trading partners and the USMCA puts American workers and industry in a position to be compete on a global stage and ensure that markets remain open and fair. We are confident that USMCA implementation will strengthen U.S. agriculture and the countless communities whose economic well-being is tied directly to the soil.”

TFI Statement on House Select Committee’s Climate Crisis Action Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today released the following statement regarding the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis “Climate Crisis Action Plan,” which provides a framework for comprehensive climate change legislation. 

TFI and its members recognize the ongoing challenge of climate change and are committed to the safe, secure and sustainable production, distribution and use of plant nutrition. Click here to read a letter TFI submitted to the Select Committee in November 2019 outlining our priorities for climate change policy.

As Congress continues to debate various climate change policy proposals, it is important to recognize the importance and contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry to global food security, supply and sustainable agriculture production. Fertilizers account for 50 percent of global food production. In addition, the fertilizer industry supports more than 487,000 American jobs and has an economic impact of over $130 billion annually.

The U.S. fertilizer manufacturing industry is both energy-intensive and trade-exposed and “any potential climate legislation must preserve the global competitiveness of the U.S. fertilizer industry and our farmer customers,” TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch said. Furthermore, any federal policy, including a price on carbon, that increases production costs—both directly through a carbon fee and indirectly by increasing the cost of natural gas—would likely lead the industry to reconsider any additional investments in the U.S. and could force production overseas.

Rosenbusch explained, “From 1998-2008, when natural gas prices increased 4-fold, half of U.S. ammonia production capacity was shut down. Beyond the problem of jobs lost, that production shifted overseas to countries that don’t necessarily have the same efficiencies or environmental regulations.” For example, nearly 80 percent of China’s ammonia production uses coal as a feedstock, a process that emits nearly two and a half times the amount of carbon dioxide as using natural gas. Therefore, any climate change legislation must include a mechanism to prevent the potential for such carbon leakage. 

“Thanks to advances in fertilizer production processes and the implementation of science-based 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices, the fertilizer supply chain and our farmer customers today are producing more with less,” continued Rosenbusch. “We are pleased that the report includes a recommendation to provide increased incentives and resources for farmers to adopt the 4Rs as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).  In addition, we recommend including 4R practice implementation in any offset credit program that may accompany any market-based regime to reduce GHG emissions.”

A recent case study showed that a corn farmer in Illinois who went from basic to advanced 4R practices on his farm was able to reduce his CO2 emissions by 34.7 percent over the course of four years. Additionally, cost per acre decreased by more than $60 due to lower fertilizer costs associated with variable rate applications and decreased labor and equipment costs for strip-till applications of anhydrous ammonia versus full, custom applications.

Since 1980, U.S. farmers have more than doubled corn production while using only 6.9 percent more fertilizer. “Without that yield increase from fertilizer, our farmers would need 175 million additional acres to grow the same amount of corn,” Rosenbusch explained. “Efficient use of fertilizer and industry ingenuity have led to a doubling of yield, a modest increase in fertilizer use, and the preservation of an area roughly the size of Texas from being turned into farmland. When you look at it from that perspective, fertilizer is a key component in land conservation and of reducing deforestation.”

“TFI is committed to continuing to work with members of Congress to ensure that any legislation or policy advanced can reduce GHG emissions without creating disincentives that would inhibit the continued advancement toward a more sustainable U.S. fertilizer industry.”

 

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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 Applauds STB Demurrage Decisions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today applauded yesterday’s decision by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding rules and changes related to demurrage and accessorial charges levied against shippers.

“TFI is pleased with the Board’s actions,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Over half of all fertilizer moves by rail, so these decisions are great news for the fertilizer industry, its customers, and the rail carriers we depend upon. The Board’s balanced decisions will clarify expectations and minimize governmental intrusion into the rail marketplace.”

Yesterday, the Board issued three decisions related to demurrage charges, including; (1) a final policy statement articulating the factors it will use to determine the reasonableness of demurrage charges; (2) a final rule regarding shipper-warehouse demurrage responsibility, and; (3) a supplemental proposed rulemaking regarding minimum information requirements for demurrage invoices.

“These changes will help to improve fairness, service and system fluidity,” Rosenbusch concluded. “We also thank the Board for continuing its critical oversight functions and efforts to modernize its oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

TFI Wins HOS Exemption for Fertilizer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today applauded the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for including fertilizer in the list of products covered by the agency’s Hours of Service (HOS) emergency declaration. This inclusion will help avoid any potential bottlenecks in the fertilizer supply chain during these challenging times.

“First of all, we thank Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao and FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen for adding fertilizer to the essential commodities list,” Rosenbusch said. “At the end of the day, it’s about putting food on Americans’ tables. Fertilizer relies on a safe and efficient transportation network to get crop nutrients to farmers where and when they need them. With the spring planting session upon us, any delays could lead to farmers not getting the essential crop nutrients when and where they are needed to grow the food, fuel and fiber our world needs.

TFI requested that fertilizer be added to the emergency declaration in a letter to Secretary Chao on Wednesday, urging that fertilizer is an essential precursor to food production and that the time-sensitive nature of fertilizer delivery warranted fertilizer’s inclusion. On Thursday, FMCSA responded by releasing an amended list that included fertilizer. 

“Because of Secretary Chao and Acting Administrator Mullens’ actions, farmers across the country will be able to rely on the safe and timely delivery of fertilizer on which our food security depends,” Rosenbusch concluded.

TFI Leads Ag Coalition in Urging States to Use CISA Guidance to Ensure Food and Agriculture are Deemed Essential

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), over 40 national food and agriculture organizations today joined together to send letters to all 50 governors requesting that they “incorporate the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidance and any future amendments into their state response plan, and any critical shelter-in-place or shut down orders for their state, allowing these workers, facilities and services to continue to operate and provide necessary inputs for the food and agriculture supply chain.”

The letter highlights the critical nature of these workers, facilities and services and the importance of maintaining their ability to continue to operate and provide necessary inputs for the food and agriculture supply chain. Potential disruptions to these businesses would include impacts on accessibility of seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, credit providers, agricultural labor, equipment, grains, oilseeds and processed commodities, flour, animal food and ingredients for food-producing animals, modes of transportation, daily movement of milk and all other agricultural commodities.

The letter concludes with the need for swift and consistent action, saying, “[w]ith the spring planting season already upon us, the next six to eight weeks will be crucial to ensure that American agriculture can operate safely and without undue burdens that could inhibit our ability to do what we do best, feed the world.”

The full letter can be read by clicking here.

TFI Urges States to Use CISA Guidance in Designating Fertilizer an Essential Industry

large truck on dirt road

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent to all 50 state governors on Monday, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch requested that states use guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) that lists fertilizer industry employees as essential workers and the fertilizer industry as one of the nation’s critical infrastructure industries.

“Using the federal guidelines will ensure a consistent approach across all 50 states and local governments,” Rosenbusch said. “And having fertilizer and all agriculture inputs recognized as “essential services” will ensure that American agriculture can remain operable and unfettered across the country.”

The next six to eight weeks are crucial to the fertilizer industry and farmer customers, as they conduct spring planting activities. The timely delivery of plant nutrients to American farmers is critical to their ability to produce food, fuel, and fiber.

“In order to get plant nutrients to the farm, the fertilizer industry relies on a safe and efficient transportation network, including rail carriers, ports, barges, pipelines, and trucks,” Rosenbusch continued. “Fertilizer is responsible for 50 percent of crop yields and is essential to our nation’s agricultural production and food supply. Our members have taken steps to remain fully operational throughout the duration of this event while taking necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and the communities in which they operate.”

TFI is not currently aware of any prohibitions contemplated on interstate shipments of goods to contain the spread of COVID-19 at this time, but stressed that such constraints could cripple the ability of its members to provide farmers with the fertilizers they need in a very limited planting window.

The full letter can be read by clicking here.

 

TFI Applauds DHS Move to Designate Fertilizer Industry as Essential

team meeting in crop field

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch today applauded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guidance listing fertilizer employees as essential and the fertilizer industry as one of the nation’s critical infrastructure industries. The industries whose workers are identified are deemed essential to the U.S. economy and are required to continue operations, to the greatest extent possible

“Fertilizer is responsible for 50 percent of crop yields and is essential to our nation’s agricultural production and food supply,” Rosenbusch said. “We thank the Trump Administration for recognizing the critical role fertilizer plays in feeding our nation and the world.”

Prior to the designation of essential by DHS, TFI members were already taking steps to remain fully operational throughout the duration of this event while taking necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees and the communities in which they operate.

“In addition to thanking the administration and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), I’d also like to thank all of TFI’s member companies and employees for the incredible work they do every day and for continuing that work in the face of a global pandemic to ensure that farmers have the plant nutrients where and when they are needed to produce the food, fuel and fiber our world needs,” concluded Rosenbusch.

 The full letter sent to President Trump on Wednesday can be read by clicking here.