Overview
- President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on February 18 mobilizing the Defense Production Act to ensure an adequate domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.
- The order delegates Section 101 authority to the Secretary of Agriculture, who must consult the Secretary of War to determine nationwide priorities and allocations.
- The Secretary is directed to issue implementing orders and regulations and to avoid actions that would jeopardize the corporate viability of any domestic producer.
- The White House cites elemental phosphorus as vital across defense applications and as a precursor to glyphosate, and it states there is no direct one-for-one substitute for glyphosate-based herbicides.
- Officials highlight supply risk, noting a single domestic producer and annual imports exceeding 6,000,000 kilograms, while affirming continued support for research into next-generation crop protection.