President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to safeguard the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, invoking national security authorities to shore up supplies considered vital to both the defense sector and American agriculture. The order states that these two critical inputs are essential to military readiness and the nation’s agricultural strength, underscoring their dual-use importance across industries.
According to the administration, any disruption in the supply chain for elemental phosphorus or glyphosate could expose the defense industrial base and the U.S. food system to vulnerabilities tied to hostile foreign actors. Elemental phosphorus is used in a range of military and industrial applications, while glyphosate remains one of the most widely used herbicides in row crop production, particularly in corn and soybean systems.
Reuters reported that the order highlights the critical need for U.S. farmers to maintain reliable access to glyphosate, especially during peak application seasons when supply interruptions could have outsized impacts on crop yields and weed management. Bayer, currently the only domestic supplier of glyphosate, manufactures roughly 40 percent of the global supply at its U.S. facilities. The company said the Executive Order would not result in shortages in other countries, signaling confidence in its production capacity and global distribution network.
Still, the move drew criticism from some quarters. The New York Times reported that the action triggered immediate concern among supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement, who have raised health and environmental questions surrounding glyphosate use. The reaction reflects the ongoing national debate balancing agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and public health considerations.
The Executive Order places fertilizer inputs and crop protection tools squarely within the broader framework of national security policy, reinforcing the administration’s view that a resilient domestic supply chain is central not only to feeding the country but also to protecting it.
You can read more on this story and find links to the Executive Order here:
