Food security depends on our involvement. The world gains a new person about every half a second. At that rate, the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Experts estimate that agricultural productivity must increase 70 percent by then from current levels to feed the planet. As global prosperity increases, so does the demand for meat, and for the grains to feed livestock. Further, 90 percent of the food supply will have to come from land already in production because land expansion will not fulfill crop production needs.
Sustainably realizing higher yield potential in crops depends on fertilizers, which are responsible for producing up to 60 percent of all crop yields. With nutrient-deficient land throughout growing regions, crop nutrients are fundamental to producing enough nutritious food, fiber and fuel to sustain world needs.
Mosaic’s mission is to help the world grow the food it needs. It is noble, it is authentic, and our employees take great pride in it.
Joc O'Rourke, CEO & President
During the last five years record-shattering harvests have removed record amounts of phosphorus and potassium from farm fields across the globe. Consider the global (less China) production of the leading grain and oilseed crops [see chart below]. Prior to 2013, farmers had never harvested more than 2.8 billion tonnes of these crops but production has averaged nearly 3.1 billion tonnes per year since then. Because crop nutrients are not self-sustaining, when crop production steps up, so does the need to replace harvested nutrients.
Yields are rising around the world—and taking nutrients from the soil with them. This is the nexus of fertilizer demand: The need to replenish nutrients plus the drive for higher yields equals tremendous opportunity for Mosaic.
Joc O'Rourke, CEO & President
Our premium products, including MicroEssentials®, Aspire® and K-Mag®, match the sophistication of today’s most advanced plant genetics, crop protection and equipment technologies to deliver real value to our retailer customers and farmers when compared to other commodity fertilizer alternatives. Learn more about our premium products here.
With over a decade of proven performance, MicroEssentials® SZ increased corn yields an average of 7.2 bushels per acre compared to traditional MAP fertilizer and 8.8 bushels per acre compared to traditional DAP fertilizer.
We want farmers to achieve maximum plant nutrition and yield benefits from our products, while reducing nutrient loss to the environment. That is why we actively support and promote the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework. The concept of the framework is simple—apply the Right nutrient source, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place.
Mosaic has a dedicated agronomy team that conducts field trials to evaluate product performance, and promote and support 4R Nutrient Stewardship. In 2017, Mosaic conducted 410 small-plot trials in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Canada, India, Northern Latin America (Mexico to Peru) and the United States.
Implementing 4R best practices is knowledge-intensive and varies from farm to farm. It encompasses fertilizer best management practices to achieve specific cropping system goals as well as other agronomic and conservation practices—like tillage and cover crops—that support nutrient stewardship. The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) annually names five farmers and their respective retail partners as 4R Advocates for successfully implementing the 4Rs to increase yields and profits, while reducing environmental impacts. We are proud of our role in supporting 4R Advocates—many of whom are our customers. Meet the 2018 4R Advocates.