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.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
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