Pritzker Demands Relief from Fertilizer Costs as Corn Prices Soar

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is calling on the Trump administration to provide relief for farmers affected by skyrocketing fertilizer costs. The cost of nitrogen-based fertilizers has increased by 36 percent, with anhydrous ammonia prices rising from $828 per ton to $1,123 per ton and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) increasing to $543 a ton from $436 a ton.

The Governor is urging President Trump to suspend federal import taxes on nitrogen-based fertilizers for the duration of the emergency. He also wants the existing suspension on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco to be extended through June 30, 2027.

Pritzker argues that these price increases are a result of President Trump's decision to start the war in Iran six months ago and will have far-reaching consequences for farmers and working families across the country. 'You created this crisis, and you must act now to give farmers the relief they need,' Pritzker wrote.

The rising costs come at a critical time, as Illinois farmers are deciding whether to plant corn or soybeans and whether they can afford to purchase and apply nitrogen fertilizer this fall. The consequences of these decisions will ultimately extend beyond the farm, with higher prices for working families at the grocery store.