Trump activates Defense production act to secure glyphosate supply

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act to safeguard domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The move is aimed at strengthening both national defense capabilities and the resilience of the U.S. agricultural sector.

According to a White House fact sheet, the Order delegates authority under the Defense Production Act to the Secretary of Agriculture, enabling the government to require performance of contracts and prioritize allocation of materials, services, and facilities necessary to ensure an adequate and continuous supply of these critical inputs. The directive is intended to prevent supply disruptions that could expose the defense industrial base and food system to vulnerabilities.

Elemental phosphorus is a key precursor used in the production of glyphosate-based herbicides, which remain among the most widely used crop-protection tools in American agriculture. These herbicides play a central role in maintaining efficient crop and livestock feed production, supporting stable food supply chains and affordable food prices.

The White House noted that the United States currently relies on a single domestic producer of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, while national demand significantly exceeds current output. Any reduction or halt in production, officials warned, could pose serious risks to both national security and food security.

The Administration подчеркнула that it continues to support research and investment in next-generation crop protection technologies. However, ensuring a stable supply of existing critical agricultural inputs remains essential to safeguarding U.S. food production capacity and broader national defense interests.

Tags: USA, inputs