President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act to safeguard the domestic manufacturing of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.
According to the administration, elemental phosphorus is considered vital to military preparedness, while glyphosate plays a key role in supporting American agriculture.
The order states that disruptions in the supply of either material could expose the U.S. defense industrial base and the nation’s food system to risks from hostile foreign actors. By prioritizing domestic production, the administration aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen national security and agricultural resilience.
Reuters reported that the directive highlights the importance of ensuring farmers maintain reliable access to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. Bayer, currently the only U.S.-based producer of glyphosate, manufactures approximately 40 percent of the global supply at its American facilities. The company said the executive action is not expected to cause shortages in international markets.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from some quarters. The New York Times noted that supporters of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement voiced immediate concerns following the announcement, reflecting ongoing debate over the broader health and environmental implications of glyphosate use.
Source: NAFB News Service