Mosaic Company to Idling Fertilizer Production in St. James Parish, Impacting Over 200 Workers

ST. JAMES PARISH, LA – The Mosaic Company, one of the region’s largest industrial employers, announced this week that it will idle fertilizer production at its Uncle Sam and Faustina plants in St. James Parish. The operational shift is set to result in the layoff of 206 employees, marking a significant economic blow to the area.

According to documents filed with Louisiana Works, the workforce reduction is scheduled to take effect by October 30. While production of phosphate fertilizer at the facilities will cease, the company noted that ammonia production at the Faustina plant will remain unaffected.

Global Supply Chain Woes Drive Operational Cuts

The company attributed the decision to the rising cost and tightening availability of sulfur, a vital raw material in the manufacturing of phosphate-based fertilizers.

Market data from farmdoc daily—an analytical resource operated by the University of Illinois—highlights a staggering surge in sulfur costs. Prices have climbed from approximately $400 per ton at the end of 2025 to over $1,000 per ton in recent months. Analysts point to geopolitical instability in the Middle East as a primary driver, noting that shipping disruptions related to the ongoing conflict with Iran have rattled the supply chain. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates collectively account for over 16% of global sulfur production, making the region a critical bottleneck.

Furthermore, international protectionist policies have exacerbated the scarcity. China and Russia—which represent 23% and 9% of global supply, respectively—have curtailed exports to prioritize the needs of their own domestic agricultural sectors, creating immense pressure on downstream producers like Mosaic.

A Significant Economic Impact

The news has sent ripples through St. James Parish, where Mosaic serves as a foundational economic pillar. Parish assessor records indicate that as recently as 2025, the two affected plants employed 369 individuals, making the company the fourth-largest employer in the parish.

The loss of 206 positions represents a substantial reduction in the company’s local footprint. In a formal statement, the company expressed that the move was a necessary measure to navigate volatile market conditions.

“Mosaic remains focused on the safe management of its facilities and assets while pursuing opportunities to resume full operations as market conditions improve,” the company stated.

As the October 30 deadline approaches, local officials and displaced workers are left to grapple with the consequences of a global commodity crisis that has hit home. For more details on the unfolding situation, you can read further coverage regarding the laid off staff and the ongoing response in St. James Parish.