Major Win for American Ag: Potash and Phosphate Added to Critical Minerals List
Photo by Dan Loran on Unsplash
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is celebrating a significant victory for domestic agriculture and supply chain stability after the Department of Interior (DOI) and Secretary Doug Burgum formally added potash and phosphate to the nation’s Critical Minerals List. This designation is a major step toward recognizing the vital role these essential fertilizer ingredients play in U.S. food production and national security.
For years, the ARA has been a strong voice advocating for heightened attention to the security and resilience of the nation’s fertilizer and crop protection inputs. This official inclusion on the 2025 List of Critical Minerals provides a critical layer of support for the entire agricultural sector.
ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock highlighted the importance of the decision:
“These designations are a major step forward for American agriculture and supply chain resilience. Potash and phosphate are essential crop nutrients that support food production across the country. Recognizing their critical importance will help strengthen domestic production and encourage investment.”
The announcement was met with equally enthusiastic praise from Washington. US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins took to social media to commend the decision:
“BIG WIN for American farmers and farm security! The US Geological Society and Department of Interior officially added potash and phosphate to the 2025 List of Critical Minerals — recognizing these key fertilizer ingredients are essential for our crops, our economy, and our national security. Huge thank-you to my friend Secretary Burgum and President Trump for their great partnership and fight for our farmers and ranchers. This move strengthens domestic fertilizer supply chains, supports American agriculture, and reinforces a simple truth: Farm security is national security!”
This strategic designation is expected to streamline permitting for domestic production projects, incentivize investment in domestic fertilizer supply chains, and ultimately reduce America’s reliance on often volatile foreign sources. For American farmers, this means a more stable, secure, and resilient supply of the foundational nutrients—potash and phosphate—needed to ensure high crop yields and secure the nation’s food supply.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.