Key facts
- CHS and OCP North America are forming a joint venture to build a phosphate fertilizer plant.
- The facility will be located at the Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, Louisiana.
- The plant is projected to produce over 1 million metric tonnes of phosphate fertilizer annually.
- This marks the first new phosphate fertilizer plant construction in the U.S. since 1984.
- The venture aims to reduce U.S. reliance on imported phosphate fertilizer by more than 48%.
CHS, a major farmer-owned cooperative, and OCP North America, a subsidiary of OCP Group, are launching a joint venture to construct a new phosphate fertilizer production facility in Waggaman, Louisiana. The proposed plant, located at the Cornerstone Energy Park, is expected to produce over 1 million metric tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer annually. This initiative marks the first new phosphate fertilizer plant to be built in the United States in 42 years, since 1984.
The venture aims to bolster domestic fertilizer supply for American farmers, who currently rely on imports for approximately 40% of their phosphate fertilizer needs. The new facility has the potential to reduce U.S. dependency on imported phosphate-based fertilizer by more than 48%, thereby strengthening the domestic supply chain and food security.
Jay Debertin, CEO of CHS, highlighted the investment's potential to create more value for farmers by bringing production closer to them. OCP Group will supply phosphoric acid to the facility, leveraging its global expertise. Distribution of the finished fertilizer will be handled by both CHS and OCP North America.
The project is anticipated to create around 60 permanent jobs and 500 construction jobs, with an estimated total job impact of 924 direct and services-support positions. Construction is expected to take up to 24 months, pending necessary approvals and funding. The initiative aligns with U.S. government priorities to expand domestic fertilizer production capacity.