WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Fertilizer Institute's (TFI) president, Chris Jahn, testified Jan. 28 before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on the challenges and importance of transporting fertilizer by rail.
The full committee hearing, entitled "Freight Rail Transportation: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Commerce," looked at challenges facing our nation's freight rail network created by higher demand, pending and proposed rules and regulations, and infrastructure needs.
The fertilizer industry depends on safe, reliable, and cost-effective rail transportation to deliver fertilizer, which is essential to U.S. food production. While fertilizer shippers also utilize other modes of transportation to move their products, nearly all fertilizer shipped across North America touches the rail transportation system at some point between its production and ultimate application by the grower.
"The delivery of fertilizer products in a timely manner is critical to farmers," said Jahn. "There is only a narrow window of opportunity to apply the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. If farmers do not receive their fertilizer in a timely manner, there are potential consequences for food security and the environment. TFI appreciates the opportunity to share some of our freight rail service concerns. We look forward to working with this Committee and Congress on these issues moving forward."
Fertilizers make it possible for farmers to grow enough food to feed the world's 7.2 billion people. Research has confirmed that 40 to 60 percent of crop yields are attributable to commercial fertilizers nutrient input.