Morocco’s OCP North America and U.S. farmer-owned cooperative CHS Inc. are planning a $450 million phosphate fertilizer plant in Louisiana, deepening ties between Morocco’s global phosphate industry and American agriculture.

Louisiana plant targets U.S. fertilizer supply

The proposed joint venture would build and operate the facility at Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, Jefferson Parish. The plant is expected to produce more than 1 million metric tons of phosphate-based fertilizer annually, making it the first new phosphate fertilizer plant of its kind built in the United States since 1984.

The project is expected to create about 60 permanent jobs and 500 construction jobs, with an estimated total impact of 924 direct and services-support positions. Construction could take up to 24 months once project and funding approvals are secured.

The investment comes as the U.S. seeks to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. CHS says the proposed facility could reduce U.S. dependence on imported phosphate fertilizer by as much as 48%.

OCP to supply phosphoric acid

Under the proposed venture, OCP Group will supply phosphoric acid to the Louisiana facility, drawing on its global phosphate resources and production expertise.

Finished fertilizer, including products such as monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate, is expected to be distributed through OCP North America and CHS. The plant’s location also provides access to the Mississippi River system, allowing fertilizer to move by barge, rail and truck to major U.S. agricultural markets.

“This is an exciting moment for American agriculture,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS. He said the investment could bring fertilizer production closer to U.S. farmers and the cooperative network. Kevin Kimm, CEO of OCP North America, said the project would strengthen U.S. food security and provide farmers with a reliable domestic supply of crop nutrients.

Morocco’s OCP expands North American reach

OCP North America is a subsidiary of OCP Group, Morocco’s state-owned phosphate producer and one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate and phosphate-based products.

Founded in 1920 as Office Chérifien des Phosphates, OCP has developed into a global phosphate, fertilizer, chemicals and minerals company. Its North American subsidiary provides phosphate-based agricultural solutions and promotes responsible nutrient management and science-based agronomic practices.

OCP North America operates under OCP Nutricrops, which focuses on customized plant nutrition solutions and expanding OCP’s presence in North America.

CHS strengthens farmer supply network

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States. Owned by American farmers and cooperatives, it serves customers in 65 countries and supplies crop inputs, market access and risk-management services.

CHS reported $35.5 billion in fiscal 2025 revenue and maintains an extensive U.S. crop-nutrient distribution network.

The proposed Louisiana plant would therefore give CHS and OCP a new domestic production base while connecting Morocco’s phosphate expertise with one of the world’s largest agricultural markets.