Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), along with Reps. Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Tracy Mann (KS-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act to boost domestic fertilizer production and storage, lower costs for farmers, and reduce reliance on unstable global supply chains.
The bill would provide grants and low-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand fertilizer production and improve storage capacity here at home—helping make sure farmers have reliable, affordable access to the inputs they need.
This legislation is led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS).
“Our farmers are already dealing with tight margins and unpredictable markets—and global conflicts are only making things worse,” said Congressman Sorensen. “When fuel and fertilizer prices spike, it hits our farmers first. This bill is about cutting through those challenges by investing in American production, lowering costs, and giving farmers more certainty so they can keep doing what they do best.”
“American farmers are struggling, and we should be using every option available to increase competition and grow our domestic supply of inputs like fertilizer. That’s why I’ve helped introduce this bipartisan bill that will help lower costs, shore up our supply chains, and break the stranglehold a handful of companies have over the fertilizer market. I will not stop fighting until Iowa farmers get the relief and transparency they deserve,” said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
“Trump’s war with Iran has thrown fertilizer markets and supply chains into disarray at a time when farmers are already paying higher prices due to inflationary tariffs. I am proud to support the Homegrown Fertilizer Act to support a steady, reliable supply of the fertilizer American farmers need to feed our communities and the world,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig.
“Right now, farmers in Illinois are waking up wondering how they’ll keep up with rapidly rising fertilizer costs. It’s time to put control back where it belongs — in their hands and here at home. This legislation will strengthen domestic fertilizer production, bring down costs, and ensure our farmers’ success isn’t tied to forces beyond our borders,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski.
“I’m proud to co-lead the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, which cuts red tape for small and mid-sized fertilizer producers and expands USDA access to loans and grants to grow domestic production and storage. This means more competition, more supply, and more fertilizer made here in the United States for our farmers,” said Congressman Mike Bost.
“Farmers in Kansas and across the country are getting squeezed by high input costs, and fertilizer is a big part of that. This new bill invests in more domestic manufacturing and storage, so producers aren’t at the mercy of supply disruptions caused by chaotic policy decisions. By boosting competition and supporting innovative, lower-cost alternatives, we can bring down fertilizer prices, help farmers keep their operations running strong, and ultimately lower grocery costs for families at the checkout line,” said Congresswoman Sharice Davids.
“Illinois Farm Bureau appreciates Representative Sorensen introducing the “Homegrown Fertilizer Act,” which seeks long-term policy solutions to address the volatility farmers have faced in the fertilizer market in recent years,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson. “Strengthening domestic production will bolster the fertilizer supply chain, ensure Illinois farmers have consistent access to essential inputs, and support the long-term success of farms across the state.”
“Farmers are trying to weather the fourth year of negative profits while faced with high fertilizer costs,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President. “This legislation could usher in some welcome relief by supporting small and medium-sized operations that produce fertilizers for corn growers across the country. We are appreciative of Reps. Sorensen and Hinson, as well as all the bill’s co-sponsors, for working to help the nation’s corn farmers during this difficult time.”
“Input costs across the board are unsustainably high. Global volatility and lack of domestic competition in the fertilizer industry are making matters worse for farmers across Illinois,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, President of the IL Corn Growers Association and Maroa, Illinois farmer. “This piece of legislation has the potential to provide expanded access to affordable fertilizer for family farms big and small. We appreciate Rep. Sorensen’s and Rep. Hinson’s work to lower costs for farmers and ensure our food supply is secure and affordable.”
“This is a practical step toward strengthening our domestic fertilizer supply chain and giving farmers more reliable, cost-effective access to critical inputs. By investing in U.S.-based production and expanding competition—particularly among smaller and mid-sized providers—this bill helps reduce volatility and improve long-term resilience for Illinois soybean farmers who depend on stable input markets to stay competitive,” said Kevin “KJ” Johnson, Director of Government Relations and Strategy, Illinois Soybean Growers.
This effort builds on Sorensen’s support for the Fertilizer Transparency Act, which improves oversight and accountability in fertilizer pricing. Together, these policies aim to increases competition, bring down costs, and support American agriculture from production to purchase.
***Courtesy of Congressman Sorensen’s Office***
