Bill > HR0205

This Resolution urges the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and state departments to take action regarding the significant increases and shortages in fertilizer prices that are negatively affecting Michigan farmers. The resolution highlights that fertilizer is crucial for crop production and that recent price hikes, partly due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce on imported phosphate-based fertilizers and the consolidated nature of the U.S. fertilizer industry which limits farmer bargaining power, are making it difficult for farmers to afford necessary inputs. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is mentioned as having determined that foreign phosphatic fertilizers were harming U.S. manufacturers, leading to these tariffs. The resolution emphasizes the vital role of Michigan's diverse agricultural industry to the state's economy and warns that without access to affordable fertilizer, agricultural production and the broader supply chain will suffer. Copies of this resolution will be sent to various federal and state officials, including members of Congress, the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture, the ITC commissioners, and the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.