For years, Iowa producers have told me the same thing: input costs are too high, and margins are too tight. When fertilizer prices spike, farm incomes take a hit.
That isn’t just market noise — it’s driven and directed by who controls the supply.
Zoom in: Nearly 85% of the minerals used to make fertilizer are controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. When Beijing decides to tighten the mineral tap, prices rise here at home, and Iowa producers are left paying the price.
Back up: Last October, China began turning new export controls on and off like a light switch — using critical minerals as leverage at the negotiating table. These same minerals are essential not just for fertilizer, but for American manufacturing, energy production, and our national defense.
That puts both our economy and our security at risk. Here’s how I’ve been pushing back on both fronts:
💰 Protecting Iowa producers: Last year, we added potash and phosphate — key fertilizer inputs — to the U.S. critical minerals list to reduce volatility, stabilize supply, and protect farm margins.
🛡️ Defending national security: On the CCP Select Committee, we exposed how China weaponizes mineral supply chains and advanced solutions to cut U.S. reliance on Beijing for materials our military relies on.
What’s new: President Trump just launched Project Vault, a $12 billion initiative to stockpile critical minerals here at home. This week, the House also passed the Critical Minerals Dominance Act with my support to speed up permitting and expand domestic mining and refining capabilities.
Bottom Line: America can either rely on the CCP or lead on our own. I’m choosing American control, Iowa jobs, and long-term security for Iowa producers.