Oklahoma farmers may soon benefit from a federal proclamation introducing an eight-month duty-free period for phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco, aimed at reducing costs and supporting the agricultural economy.
Background
The White House proclamation is intended to strengthen the agriculture economy and improve farmers’ bottom lines. Jason Kroener, general manager of CHS, highlighted the reliance on imported phosphate fertilizer, saying, “The vast majority of our phosphates in the United States are imported.”
Phosphorus, a mined mineral essential for fertilizer, is at the center of the proclamation. President Donald Trump announced the temporary duty-free period, citing a Texas A&M Ag and Policy Center study that found phosphorus prices have risen nearly 30% since a countervailing duty was implemented in 2021.
Kroener explained that while farmers might skip using phosphorus for a season or two, it remains critical to follow soil sample recommendations. “The typical American, Oklahoma farmer has had a pretty good phosphorus plant over the years. And so you might be able to skip a year or two, but it’s pretty critical that you follow your soil samples,” he said.
Kroener also noted that most farmers have already secured their phosphorus for the current planting season and likely won’t experience relief until the fall or winter.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
