Interior Department Expands Critical List

The Department of the Interior has added potash and phosphate to the nation’s list of critical minerals, a move welcomed by agriculture groups looking to expand domestic fertilizer production. “This should really help people get through the permitting process to bring on more capacity domestically, and that’s going to be good for everybody in the system,” said Daren Coppock, president/CEO, Ag Retailers Association. “We coordinated a meeting probably a month ago at the White House that I think contributed to this discussion because it allowed people who are in the industry to really share the story of why we need this.” Coppock added that the move is also a win for farmers and the broader agricultural sector. “Anything we can do to make more sources of supply available at competitive prices for retailers and growers, that’s going to be good for everybody.” The designation aims to reduce reliance on foreign fertilizer suppliers, support farmers, and strengthen national food security.