First U.S. Phosphate Fertilizer Plant Planned in Louisiana

By Andi Anderson

A major fertilizer project has been proposed in Louisiana that could help strengthen fertilizer production in the United States. Farm cooperative CHS Inc. and fertilizer producer OCP North America have announced plans to build a phosphate fertilizer facility in Waggaman, Louisiana. The project is expected to require an investment of about $450 million.

If completed, the facility would be the first phosphate fertilizer plant built in the United States in more than 40 years. The proposed plant is expected to produce more than one million tons of phosphate-based fertilizer each year, helping increase domestic fertilizer availability for farmers.

The announcement comes at a time when global fertilizer markets have faced challenges due to geopolitical conflicts and trade disruptions. These issues have affected fertilizer supplies and increased concerns about the stability of agricultural input markets. According to project estimates, the facility could help reduce U.S. dependence on imported phosphate fertilizers by more than 48%.

Under the proposed joint venture, “the OCP Group will supply phosphoric acid to the facility, drawing on its global phosphate expertise and resources,” according to the news release. “Finished fertilizer products will be distributed through both OCP North America and CHS, which serves cooperatives, retailers and farmers across the United States through its extensive wholesale and retail crop nutrients network.”

The Louisiana location was selected because it offers access to essential raw materials and efficient transportation through the Mississippi River system. This could support the movement of fertilizer products to farming regions across the country.

The project has also received attention from government leaders. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry participated in the announcement, highlighting efforts to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing and strengthen supply chains.

Project leaders hope to begin construction during the first or second quarter of 2027. If approvals and funding move forward as planned, construction could be completed by late 2028 or early 2029.

Regarding support through the USDA Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) program, CHS President and CEO Jay Debertin said, “USDA has not awarded anything yet. They’re supportive of the project, but I don’t want to get in front of their analysis and their work to determine if we’re going to be eligible for an award.”

Once approved, the project is expected to create around 60 permanent jobs and approximately 500 construction jobs, providing economic benefits while supporting long-term agricultural growth.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic