U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is backing a bill aimed at lowering fertilizer costs for farmers nationwide.
The Lowering Input Costs for American Famers Act would eliminate tariffs and other fees on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco. Morocco is one of the leading global players in the phosphate fertilizer industry, controlling over 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves.
Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee and represents a state where agriculture is its largest industry, said the bill would deliver “practical relief” for farmers facing mounting challenges. Those challenges include high diesel costs spurred by conflict with Iran, ongoing trade uncertainty, and sharp drop-offs in grain prices.
“Mississippi farmers depend on affordable fertilizer to stay competitive. With input costs continuing to strain farmers’ bottom line, Congress must act,” she said. “The Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act delivers targeted, practical relief at the farm gate, and Congress should act soon to deliver relief at a time when it is badly needed.”
An American Farm Bureau Federation survey released April 14 found fertilizer costs have risen sharply in recent months amid global supply disruptions and continued geopolitical instability. Prices for key inputs such as nitrogen fertilizers have increased by more than 30%, while urea has surged about 47%. Phosphate fertilizers have also climbed significantly, rising from $583 per ton in January 2025 to nearly $800 in August 2025, according to a separate Farm Bureau survey released in September.
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“American producers have been asking for solutions, and this commonsense legislation will provide greater certainty for our farmers,” Hyde-Smith continued.
The bill is supported by major farm groups such as the National Cotton Council, USA Rice, American Soybean Association, and the American Farm Bureau Association, among others. It has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it must get approval before going to the full floor for a vote.
It is not the first time as of recent Hyde-Smith has pushed for measures to aid farmers. With momentum from a November meeting with President Donald Trump – one that ended with Trump exempting fertilizers from reciprocal tariffs as part of his broader tariff push – she has continued to urge colleagues and the current administration to prioritize a new Farm Bill, setting national agriculture policy and providing support to farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said during an interview on the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network on April 21 there is a growing push for the first Farm Bill since 2018, especially with Trump on board. The House is expected to vote on a new Farm Bill this week before it can head to the Senate.
“[Trump] is on record saying let’s get a Farm Bill passed, and that’s really encouraging to me to see him leaning in such a significant way,” Rollins said. “These ag issues are very front and center for him, all day everyday.”
Hyde-Smith also sponsored the Buying American Cotton Act, proposing tax credits for U.S. companies that sell cotton fabric or finished goods using domestic product. Rollins has endorsed the bill, calling it “a game-changer” for farmers during a recent Senate hearing. However, it still awaits approval from the Senate Finance Committee.
Hyde-Smith and other agriculture advocates in Washington have until the end of the year to pass legislation before the current Congress comes to a close.
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