Mosaic's Commitment to Louisiana Remains Strong
Mosaic has been part of the St. James Parish community for 58 years. The people who have built and supported our operations are more than employees. They are neighbors, friends, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders.
For eight years I had the honor of serving as general manager of our Louisiana operations and saw first-hand the pride and commitment our people bring to everything they do. Their contributions extend far beyond our facilities, and I am grateful for everything they have done for Mosaic and Louisiana.
Global Challenge. Local Impacts.
Today, we are facing a difficult reality. Mosaic, like other phosphate fertilizer producers, is navigating a global shortage and record-high costs of sulfur – an essential ingredient in phosphate fertilizer production. Geopolitical instability, shipping disruptions, and increased global demand have made sulfur more difficult and expensive to purchase.
Over the past several months, we've continued to evaluate alternative sourcing options, adjust production, manage costs, and explore every reasonable path to sustain operations and protect jobs. Unfortunately, conditions have not improved, and we expect our phosphate operations in Louisiana to remain idled for an extended period. Ammonia production at Faustina will continue uninterrupted during the idle of phosphate operations.
As a result, we recently shared the difficult news with our employees that many of their roles at Uncle Sam and Faustina will end with Mosaic later this year. We are committed to supporting these employees and their families by providing resources to help them navigate the transition ahead.
A Positive Presence and Responsible Neighbor
Just as importantly, our commitment to St. James Parish remains strong. For three generations, our employees, their families, and our operations have been part of these communities, and we remain dedicated to being a positive presence and responsible neighbor. Together, we have supported local families by filling shelves at food pantries, fostered entrepreneurship through higher education, and encouraged student interest in STEM programs. We will continue working to support the long-term well-being of local communities while maintaining open communication and strong local partnerships.
We will continue to meet our environmental obligations and maintain our facilities in a safe and restart-ready condition.
Teams will remain focused on safely operating and maintaining critical areas of our facilities while protecting our employees, our neighbors, and the environment. Through it all, safety and care for our people and communities will remain our highest priorities.
Looking Ahead With Hope
While today brings uncertainty, I remain hopeful about the future. Our goal remains to safely resume phosphate production when sulfur availability and market conditions improve. Until then, we will support our people, continue to be a good neighbor, and work toward that future. Mosaic's mission to help the world grow the food it needs and support a reliable domestic supply of fertilizer for American farmers is as important today as ever.
When conditions improve and we are able to restart operations, we look forward to the opportunity to welcome back the talent, experience, and expertise that have long been the foundation of our St. James Parish facilities. Our priority today is supporting employees through this transition with care, dignity, and respect, while working to remain an employer people would recommend and want to work for in the future.
The resilience, determination, and spirit of this community give me confidence that Mosaic's Louisiana Operations will again play an important role in supporting American agriculture and food security.
Thank you for your resilience, support, and strength.
Ron Yasurek
Vice President, Phosphates – North America
The Mosaic Company