Sen. Marshall introduces bill aimed at further helping farmers dealing with high fertilizer costs

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A U.S. senator from Kansas is proposing help for farmers dealing with high fertilizer costs. On Tuesday, Senator Roger Marshall introduced the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act. The action comes weeks after the senator told 12 News that lowering fertilizer costs was a priority for him and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act would eliminate tariffs on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco that were initiated in April of 2021, before President Trump’s second term.

“Kansas farmers are getting hit by a fertilizer market that’s working against them,” said Senator Marshall in a news release on the recently introduced bill. “Phosphate is a critical nutrient for crop production, and right now farmers are paying prices that threaten their bottom line. This bill removes duties that are driving up costs for farmers, and puts money back in the hands of the people feeding this country.”

For months, Marshall’s been addressing the issue surrounding farmers’ costs. Last month, with Democratic Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, he introduced the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, a bill to expand fertilizer production in the U.S.

Marshall also helped to lead the effort to have potash and phosphate designated as critical minerals to help reduce America’s reliance on foreign sources like China and Russia.

While focusing on ways to lower costs for farmers, Marshall has maintained support for global tariffs imposed by President Trump. Last year, the senator sat down with 12 News and shared his belief that, as it relates to Kansas, tariffs would create opportunities in aerospace and agriculture.

In the immediate stage following Marshall’s introduction of the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, it’s unknown when or if the Senate could vote on the bill.