(ND Ag Connection) – North Dakota Farmers Union, led by President Mark Watne, is focusing on in-state fertilizer production as the state legislature reconvenes to reassess an Office of Management and Budget bill, highlighting its importance.

The crux lies in Senate Bill 2015. This legislation empowers the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority to roll out an incentive program, aiming for a whopping $125 million to boost fertilizer development.

Why does this matter to North Dakota? According to Watne, the state’s farmers often face the brunt of inflated fertilizer prices and unpredictable price spikes, more than their counterparts elsewhere. Last year, supply chain hiccups globally made nitrogen costs soar, and similar challenges are resurfacing now.

The solution, Watne believes, is bolstering North Dakota’s capacity to produce fertilizer. This not only ensures that local farmers get cost-effective, dependable fertilizer sources but also catapults North Dakota to a forefront position in advanced fertilizer production technology.

Watne emphasizes that the victory for North Dakota’s farmers is not just a victory for them, but a triumph for the entire state.