WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farm input availability and food security moved into national defense policy Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting domestic supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The White House argues that both products are critical for national and food security.
The order invokes the Defense Production Act of 1950 and gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to prioritize contracts, allocate materials, and direct production to ensure an adequate supply. Federal officials say the materials are essential not only for military technology but also for crop production and livestock feed.
USDA will now determine production priorities and issue rules to maintain domestic output while protecting the viability of U.S. manufacturers.
Elemental phosphorus is a key ingredient in fertilizers and a precursor used to manufacture glyphosate herbicides. The Administration noted the United States currently has only one domestic producer and imports more than 6 million kilograms annually, creating vulnerability if the supply is disrupted.
The order warns that restricted access to glyphosate would lower yields, raise production costs, and pressure food prices — particularly significant during already tight farm margins. It also links phosphorus supply to semiconductors, batteries, and other defense technologies.
Glyphosate is also a key ingredient in the popular herbicide Roundup.
Trump’s order also follows an announcement earlier this week from Monsanto, a subsidiary of Bayer, proposing a $7.5 billion class settlement to resolve past and future claims against the company alleging long-term exposure to the chemical leads to increased rates of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Now, lawmakers and environmental and ag industry groups are starting to weigh in.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson praised the move, calling it an important step toward maintaining access to key crop inputs — but others are not sold on it.
The Environmental Working Group calls the executive order a “shocking betrayal” to anyone living or working near farm fields where glyphosate is used.
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
November 13, 2025 01:24 PM
·
The facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm.
November 13, 2025 01:15 PM
·
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
November 13, 2025 01:10 PM
·
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
November 13, 2025 01:00 PM
·
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
November 13, 2025 11:33 AM
·
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
November 13, 2025 10:58 AM
·
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
November 12, 2025 02:42 PM
·
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
November 12, 2025 12:27 PM
·
Once a year, Army crew chiefs and Black Hawk mechanics undergo live aerial gunnery training—loading, firing, and practicing the teamwork they’ll need in real missions.
November 11, 2025 03:57 PM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Kubota President Alex Woods discusses the “Geared to Give” program, the company’s commitment to those who served, and how the initiative continues to grow and impact veterans.
November 11, 2025 01:52 PM
·
Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and service of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by taking a closer look at their commitment and teamwork in action.
November 11, 2025 01:40 PM
·
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
One Iowa man’s story is a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and home.
November 11, 2025 12:01 PM
·
If the House concurs and the President signs, USDA services and farm-bill programs resume at full speed with authorities extended for another year.
November 11, 2025 10:46 AM
·
Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor all of the brave men and women who have served this great nation in times of war and in peace, those who are still with us, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
November 10, 2025 03:32 PM
·
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
November 10, 2025 03:05 PM
·
