How phosphate is produced: Behind-the-scenes look at Nutrien’s White Springs, Florida phosphate site

Published: Jun 23, 2023

Nutrien’s purpose is Feeding the Future, and phosphorus plays a key role in that. With the global population recently hitting 8 billion people, and food security becoming a greater concern every day, the need to safely and sustainably feed a growing world has never been more evident.

Phosphorus is present in every living cell, both plant and animal, and used in a wide variety of products and applications that are essential to daily life.

Phosphate fertilizers improve food security across the globe as they are crucial to key energy reactions in plants, including photosynthesis, speeding maturity, and increasing crop yields.

Food-grade phosphates are used to make cheese, soft drinks, bread, toothpaste, vegetable oil, jams, jellies and more.

Feed phosphates are used in animal feed mixtures, keeping livestock and household pets strong and healthy.

Industrial uses of phosphate include wood treatment, metal finishing, cleaning products, and fire retardants.

Watch our video to learn how phosphate is mined and processed at our White Springs facility.