Gov. Pritzker Demands Relief for Farmers Facing Soaring Fertilizer Costs from Trump’s War with Iran

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: State of Illinois
Published: August 28, 2026
Source: Read at State of Illinois
Category: Food Access

Gov. JB Pritzker asked the Trump administration to suspend federal import taxes on nitrogen-based fertilizers used by Illinois corn farmers. He also asked officials to extend an existing suspension on certain phosphate fertilizer imports through June 30, 2027. Pritzker said the cost of nitrogen fertilizer has increased by 36 percent, forcing farmers to weigh what they can afford to plant and buy. The governor said higher corn-growing costs could reach working families through higher grocery prices.

Why this matters: Higher fertilizer costs can raise the cost of producing food, which may add pressure to grocery prices and household budgets. Independent grocers and food-access programs may need to account for that pressure when planning prices and assistance.

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