AAFC needs to address fertilizer shortages and rising prices
This letter was sent to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on Feb. 18th, 2026.
Despite the Prime Minister’s recent assertions that we must prioritize the ability to feed ourselves and develop “strategic autonomy” in food production, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has yet to indicate their plans in this pursuit.
And while it is important to develop a long-term strategy and policy framework, the recent announcement including measures to tackle food insecurity, support producers, and strengthen supply chains acknowledged that some priorities have greater urgency. It is with that in mind that we contact you today about an urgent matter: the timely and affordable production and delivery of N, P and K fertilizers, which are critical to growing food crops and grain so that our farms can feed our fellow Canadians.
In February of 2025, Ontario fertilizer suppliers were reassuring farmers that, despite anxiety over tariff impacts, there was no cause for concern as their fertilizer supplies were adequate for the year. By April, many farmers were told that fertilizer supplies would in fact not meet producer needs. Farmers who looked to other fertilizer retailers quickly discovered that the lack of supplies to meet requirements was widespread. Even producers who pre-paid for their fertilizer were short of supply for the spring planting.
The main reason for this sudden and unexpected shortfall was the supplier, CF Industries. A significant proportion of UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate – liquid fertilizer) that is produced at the CF Industries Courtright plant for the use of Southern Ontario farmers was re-routed for non-agricultural use (DEF) and for the benefit of U.S. farmers, even though the feedstock is Alberta natural gas.
The Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Grain Farmers of Ontario President met with CF Industries, but the results of that meeting were not shared with the producers affected by this manufactured shortage. How is a farmer expected to produce a crop when supplies of an input as critical as fertilizer are no longer reliable, with no explanation given?
There are indications that the 2026 crop will challenge farmers with tighter fertilizer supplies at much higher prices – if an unusually cold winter and a forecasted cold spring result in near-record use of natural gas. Put simply, without a reliable supply of this critical input, there is no viability for producers. There is no miracle supply because retailers forecast their needs 9 months or more in advance, with no surplus inventories kept by anyone. This is a Just-in-Time delivery system.
The NFU urgently requests that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provide the Department’s analysis and a thorough explanation of:
- fertilizer supplies, demand and prices in Canada;
- the role of fertilizer in ensuring a reliable food supply for all Canadians; and
- the strategy to ensure timely and affordable fertilizer supplies in this country—both for spring 2026 and as a critical part of a National Food Policy.
We are available to meet to discuss our concerns at your convenience. We look forward to hearing a response by March 13, 2026.
Sincerely,
Phil Mount,
NFU Vice-President of Policy
For more information, please contact:
Phil Mount, VP Policy: vp-policy@nfu.ca
Don Ciparis, NFU Member: donciparis@gmail.com; 519-785-0001
