Fertilizer prices could become a concern amid tariffs

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Experts warn the price of groceries may rise because of the tariffs imposed Tuesday on Canada, Mexico and China, but before the produce lands on shelves, farmers will be affected first.

The worry from farmers stems from fertilizer. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 90 percent of various fertilizer imports come from Canada, which could create a ripple effect not just for farmers, but for the broader food supply chain in the state.

“Is that good for our economy, to make our farmers who we rely on, who support us, who feed us — drive them out of business?” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

According to the USDA, Canada and Mexico are the United States’ first and third largest suppliers of agricultural products, respectively, combining to over $56 billion worth from 2017 to 2021.

“With spring planting fast approaching, maintaining reliable cost-effective fertilizer supply chain is essential for a productive harvest and protecting American farmers from financial strain,” said Corey Rosenbush, president of The Fertilizer Institute — the nation’s leading voice of the fertilizer industry — in a statement Tuesday.

Hochul agreed and said the most important element in fertilizer in the state fully comes from Canada.

“So, they’re laying down the fertilizer in April. Guess what happens in April?” Hochul said. “The agricultural tariffs are expected to go into place.”

Members of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) of New York said fertilizer isn’t the only concern.

“The cost of parts, the cost of inputs [is] going up for farmers, tractors, machinery, all of these things,” said NOFA Communications Manager Samantha Kemnah.

“[There are] specific concerns about folks that import feed or other things from Canada across the border because we’ve got a lot of organic farmers that live right up on the Canadian border,” said NOFA educator Francesca McClure.

Rosenbush is asking President Donald Trump’s administration to provide a strategic “carveout” for Canadian fertilizers from these tariffs, adding, “affordable supply of fertilizer is critical to maintaining global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies and keeping food prices in check.”

NOFA said there could be a positive to these tariffs, like consumers buying from local organics instead of overpriced big grocers.

“Consumers can consume better food, support their local economies, support local farm families, is to buy community supported agriculture share, shop up at the farmer’s market,” Kemnah said. “You’re actually supporting someone’s livelihood that way.”

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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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