Morocco's OCP Group and American farmer-owned cooperative CHS have announced plans to build a $450 million phosphate fertilizer production facility in Louisiana, which would be the first new plant of its kind constructed in the United States in more than 40 years.

OCP North America and CHS, the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., announced the proposed joint venture on August 26. The facility would be located at Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, Jefferson Parish, near the Mississippi River. It is expected to produce over one million metric tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizer annually.

If approved and completed, the companies said it would be the first phosphate fertilizer plant built in the United States since 1984.

Under the proposed arrangement, OCP Group would supply phosphoric acid to the facility, drawing on its global phosphate expertise and resources. Finished fertilizer products would be distributed through both OCP North America and CHS's extensive wholesale and retail crop nutrients network, which serves cooperatives, retailers and farmers across the United States.

"This is an exciting moment for American agriculture," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. "As a farmer-owned cooperative, we exist to help farmers succeed. Together with OCP North America, we have the opportunity to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years."

The project addresses a growing concern for American agriculture. The United States currently imports approximately 40% of the phosphate-based fertilizer used by its farmers, as domestic phosphate reserves are declining. The companies estimate that the new plant could reduce U.S. import dependency by more than 48%.

"This project represents a milestone in OCP North America's commitment to serving American agriculture," said Kevin Kimm, CEO of OCP North America. "Together with CHS, we aim to build lasting infrastructure that strengthens U.S. food security and delivers a reliable, domestically produced supply of the crop nutrients American farmers need."

The project is expected to create approximately 60 permanent, high-impact jobs in Jefferson Parish, along with 500 construction jobs. The companies estimate the total employment impact at 924 direct and services-support positions.

Once approved, construction is expected to take up to 24 months. The partners have applied for potential funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) program. The project remains subject to funding, regulatory reviews, engineering work and other approvals.

The announcement follows President Donald Trump's June authorization of a temporary suspension of certain duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports for up to eight months, citing supply disruptions linked to the war with Iran.