On March 20, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” officially designating potash as a critical mineral alongside other resources like uranium, copper and gold. This decision aims to bolster domestic production of key minerals, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national security. For American farmers, the inclusion of potash—a vital fertilizer component—on the Critical Minerals List promises enhanced agricultural resilience and supports food security.

Potash, a potassium-rich mineral, is essential for crop growth, improving plant health, root development and yield. The United States currently imports over 90% of its potash needs, primarily from Canada.

Ramping up U.S. potash production capabilities could stabilize and lower fertilizer prices, which have soared in recent years due to supply chain shocks. Reducing dependence on imports enhances supply chain reliability, protecting farmers from sudden disruptions that could jeopardize cropping plans.

The executive order directs agencies to streamline permitting processes, identify federal lands for mining, and leverages the Defense Production Act to prioritize potash production:

• Agencies shall compile a list of all mineral production projects that have submitted a plan of operations, permit application, or any other approval request to that agency in order to expedite the review and advancement of those projects in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
  — Additional mineral production projects will be considered for FAST-41 status to streamline permitting.
• New recommendations will be provided to Congress regarding treatment of waste rock, tailings, and mine waste disposal under the Mining Act of 1872.
• The Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior shall identify additional sites that might be suitable for mineral production activities that can be permitted as soon as possible.
• The Defense Production Act (DPA) will be used to expand domestic mineral production capacity.
• Financing, loans, and investment support will be provided for new mineral production projects, including a dedicated critical minerals fund established through the United States International Development Finance Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Defense.

Virginia Farm Bureau has worked with the Trump administration on this issue and is pleased to see progress made. As implementation unfolds, we will closely watch the impacts and potential benefits from increased domestic potash production. We will continue to work with the administration and Congress to identify and deliver tangible benefits to Virginia’s farmers.

When Stefanie Taillon was growing up on a row crop farm in Southampton County, Virginia, she likely didn’t imagine she would one day be responsible for protecting the Commonwealth’s most precious natural resources. Yet, her latest appointment as Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources is a testament to her deep agricultural background and commitment to public service.

“Throughout her career, Stefanie Taillon has exemplified an unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing Virginia’s God-given natural resources. With a proven ability to deliver impactful results, she has been particularly instrumental in advancing our Chesapeake Bay conservation and restoration priorities,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Her strong leadership and deep policy expertise have consistently driven meaningful progress as we continue to press forward on our agenda for Virginia.”

Stefanie Taillon previously served as Acting Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for the Youngkin administration, first joining the Administration as Deputy Secretary with a primary focus on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Prior to joining, she was Associate Director of Governmental Relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, where she led policy efforts related to farmland preservation, wildlife and game laws, animal welfare and animal-based commodities. She has also served as the Commissioner’s Office Director at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and as a legislative aide in the Virginia General Assembly.

Stefanie holds a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences and a Master of Public Administration, both from Virginia Tech. She was a member of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) Program Class IV. She grew up on a row crop farm in Southampton County and currently resides in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and their 2-year-old daughter.