WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Commodity groups have recently filed comments to the U.S. International Trade Commission regarding a petition by an agricultural input company to enforce countervailing duties on imports of phosphate fertilizer from Russia and Morocco. The American Soybean Association (ASA) has filed joint comments saying “we believe countervailing duties on these imports will have a negative impact on the availability of phosphate fertilizer in the United States and, in turn, adversely affect crop production and farmer livelihoods.” Phosphorus is one of several main macronutrients necessary for plant growth and is vital to crop production. Adequate levels of phosphorus in the soil benefit early-season root development and help provide the energy crops need to maximize growth and production. Phosphate fertilizers are widely used by soybean, corn, cotton, and other crop producers throughout the United States. Other groups filing statements include the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and National Cotton Council (NCC).
(SOURCE: All Ag News)