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Ernst calls for reduction in fertilizer tariffs

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa wants the Biden administration to reduce tariffs on phosphate imports from Morocco to address high fertilizer prices.

“These inputs are really skyrocketing,” she said, “and they are causing some real heartache and hardship with our farmers.”

Ernst has been hosting roundtable discussions with farmers, and she tells Brownfield the high fertilizer prices is a huge concern.

“One of the gentlemen expressed that his fertilizer costs had gone up 300% over last year,” Ernst said. “He was locking in the cost for next year at an additional 25%.”

Ernst says inputs like fertilizer and diesel have been cutting into farmer profit margins.