The USDA announced on June 14 that it is extending the deadline for comments and information from the public about its “Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns” notice originally published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2022. The new deadline for comments is July 15, 2022. The previous deadlines for comments were May 16, 2022, and June 15, 2022 (GM May 27, p. 28).
“We are extending the deadline for comments an additional month to enable commenters to provide additional feedback regarding the role of capacity expansion and related strategies to directly enhance competition in the fertilizer market,” said Andy Green, USDA’s Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets.
“USDA is committed to using every tool at its disposal to enhance competition and improve resiliency in the fertilizer market. Finding ways to encourage sustainable and independent choices for fertilizer supplies demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing investment in American goods and services to rebuild a more resilient, secure, and sustainable economy,” he added.
In a June 14 Federal Register notice, USDA said it continues seeking input on:
- What obstacles exist to the financing and development of new fertilizer capacity that would enhance the competitiveness of fertilizer markets?
- Would new or expanded domestic manufacturing, mining, processing, or alternative fertilizer production capacity help promote access to and affordability of fertilizer for agricultural producers?
- Are there existing “shovel ready” manufacturing, mining, or other processes that could or should be adjusted to facilitate new fertilizer production?
- Are there other potential new entrants in the near- or medium-term?
- How might USDA best support investment in new fertilizer capacity in the U.S.?
When USDA announced the competition inquiry (GM March 18, p. 27), it also announced a new grant program to support independent, innovative, and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. The grants will go to production outside the dominant fertilizer suppliers, so as to increase competition. It has since moved the grant funding up to $500 million (GM May 13, p. 1) from the initial $250 million.