LAKELAND — Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) officially added phosphate to the nation’s Critical Minerals List. Earlier this fall, Rep. Franklin joined a bipartisan group urging DOI to include phosphate and warning foreign control of supply creates risk for U.S. agriculture and food security.

“America cannot be food secure if it relies on adversaries for the minerals that feed our farms. Adding phosphate to the Critical Minerals List strengthens our security and affirms its essential role in fertilizer production for growers across the country.

“Florida’s Heartland is central to this effort. Our state holds the largest phosphate reserve in the nation. Producers in our region support good jobs and ensure farmers have the inputs needed to grow crops and keep food production steady. This designation recognizes the work done here and provides long-term cost certainty for our agriculture community.

“Florida also holds valuable rare earth reserves that can meet future national needs. Expanding domestic production reduces foreign leverage and shields our producers from supply chain disruptions and price spikes that burden American families. I will keep working to ensure our country remains secure and in control of its own supply.”

To view the Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals go to: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19813.pdf