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.
Tariffs are pushing up input costs, with fertilizer prices rising $100 per ton and machinery costs climbing due to steel and parts duties.
September 15, 2025 12:21 PM
·
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
September 15, 2025 12:09 PM
·
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
September 15, 2025 11:57 AM
·
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
September 12, 2025 02:13 PM
·
September 12, 2025 12:19 PM
·
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
September 12, 2025 11:18 AM
·
Assistance for losses due to flooding and wildfire on non-federally managed land
September 12, 2025 10:47 AM
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
September 11, 2025 01:21 PM
·
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
September 11, 2025 11:26 AM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney joins us for a Canadian perspective on President Trump’s controversial tariff rollout, lower court rulings, and upcoming review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
September 10, 2025 03:10 PM
·
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
·
September 10, 2025 02:23 PM
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
September 10, 2025 11:10 AM
·
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
September 09, 2025 10:37 AM
·
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
September 08, 2025 11:45 AM
·
