Miller-Meeks Leads Charge to Lower Fertilizer Costs for Iowa Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement after the Administration suspended duties on phosphate fertilizer imports, which will lower input costs for American farmers by an estimated $1.82 billion every year.

"The Biden Administration's phosphate fertilizer duties drove up costs for farmers at a time when they were already facing record-high input prices. Between 2021 and 2025, these duties increased costs by an estimated $6.9 billion, making it even harder for producers to stay competitive," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “I have led the fight to change that, introducing the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act to cut these duties. Lower fertilizer costs mean stronger family farms, greater American agricultural production, and lower food costs for consumers. That's what putting America's farmers first looks like.”

Global supply chains have faced increased strain due to geopolitical instability, including the Russia-Ukraine war and unrest in the Middle East. These disruptions have limited access to key inputs and contributed to higher prices for farmers.

Existing duties on Moroccan phosphate imports have further constrained supply and reduced competition in a highly concentrated global market. According to analysis from Texas A&M University’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, these duties increased fertilizer costs for U.S. farmers by approximately $6.9 billion between 2021 and 2025.

The Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, introduced by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in April, addresses these challenges by removing barriers to imports from one of the world’s largest phosphate producers, helping to stabilize supply and reduce costs for producers.

Lower input costs not only benefit farmers, but also help keep food prices stable for American families and support long-term economic growth in rural communities.

Support

The legislation is supported by leading agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Taxpayers Union Foundation,Taxpayers Protection Alliance American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cotton Council, Rice USA, and the Iowa Soybean Association.

“Iowa soybean farmers appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership in addressing the increased costs of phosphate fertilizer imports through the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act,” said Tom Adam, President of the Iowa Soybean Association. “At a time when farmers are dealing with elevated input expenses on all fronts, existing countervailing duties only add unnecessary financial strain. Soybean farmers need access to reliable, affordable fertilizer to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”