WASHINGTON, DC – Farm input availability and food security moved into national defense policy Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting domestic supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.
The order invokes the Defense Production Act and gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to prioritize contracts, allocate materials, and direct production to ensure adequate supply. Federal officials say the materials are essential not only for military technology but also for crop production and livestock feed.
Elemental phosphorus is a key ingredient in fertilizers and a precursor used to manufacture glyphosate herbicides. The administration noted the United States currently has only one domestic producer and imports more than 6 million kilograms annually, creating vulnerability if the supply is disrupted.
The order warns that restricted access to glyphosate would lower yields, raise production costs, and pressure food prices — particularly significant during already tight farm margins. It also links phosphorus supply to semiconductors, batteries, and other defense technologies.
USDA will now determine production priorities and issue rules to maintain domestic output while protecting the viability of U.S. manufacturers.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Input availability is now treated as a national security risk.