Bipartisan Bill Targets Fertilizer Costs and Transparency

A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency in fertilizer markets and potentially lowering costs for farmers facing high input expenses.

The senators, which include John Thune, Amy Klobuchar, Tammy Baldwin, Chuck Grassley, and Joni Ernst said the proposal would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study competition, pricing trends and supply factors in the fertilizer industry. The agency would be directed to publish a public report within one year examining issues such as market concentration, import reliance and trade policies.

Lawmakers said fertilizer remains one of the largest expenses for U.S. producers, with prices contributing significantly to overall production costs. Farm groups have raised concerns about limited market transparency and the impact of consolidation on pricing. Supporters say the bill could provide farmers with better insight into price drivers, while helping policymakers evaluate potential reforms to improve competition and affordability. 

“South Dakota’s producers have been facing some pretty fierce economic headwinds over the past few years,” said Thune. “Higher prices for fertilizer – and the uncertainty surrounding costs – have only strained their budgets even further. This legislation would empower producers with better information about fertilizer pricing so they can make cost-effective choices when it comes to purchasing key inputs for their crops.”

“At a time when rising fertilizer costs and low commodity prices are continuing to erode farmers' profitability, we should be increasing price transparency for farmers in the current market and increasing domestic fertilizer production and storage here at home,” Klobuchar noted. “These bipartisan bills will help stabilize fertilizer pricing, reduce supply chain disruptions, and ensure farmers can access affordable fertilizer to keep feeding and fueling the world.”

“Wisconsin farmers work hard every single day to feed our communities, but skyrocketing fertilizer costs are squeezing them – and this war in Iran is only making matters worse,” Baldwin said. “Higher fertilizer costs cut into farmers’ bottom lines and increase costs for folks at the grocery store – and we need to do everything we can to address this. I am proud to work with my colleagues in both parties to help bring real transparency and accountability to the fertilizer market and fight to lower farmers’ input costs.”

“Family farmers are suffering under high input costs that are pushing the ag economy to the brink. By requiring weekly reports on phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, our bipartisan legislation will shine a light on fertilizer markets and promote much-needed transparency and competition in the ag economy,” Grassley said.

Click Here to learn more about the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026.

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