Agriculture operates in a world of constant demand. As the global population grows and pressure on arable land increases, farmers are being asked to produce more food, consistently and sustainably. That is the challenge the industry is meeting through innovation, resilience, and strong partnerships across the agriculture value chain.
Supporting higher yields requires more than a single solution. Nutrien operates an integrated global network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities designed to serve farmers where and when they need it. As the world’s largest potash producer and the third‑largest nitrogen producer, Nutrien brings scale and decades of expertise across the full range of crop inputs – from crop protection products to customized seeds, from biostimulants to digital services. These support productivity and global food security – reaching over 50 countries and more than 1,800 retail locations.
“Nutrien plays a critical role in feeding a growing global population through deep relationships with farmers and leading assets across the agriculture value chain,” says Ken Seitz, CEO at Nutrien. “As farmers face challenges amid an evolving market, our focus remains on efficiently supplying the products and services they need to improve crop yields and support more resilient food systems.”
Over the past several decades, farmers have demonstrated their resilience by answering the call for larger crops. Since 2000, global grain and oilseed production has increased by more than 50 per cent, from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2000 to an estimated 3.5 billion tonnes in 2025.
Advances in seed technology and production systems are contributing to higher crop yields but also heighten the need to replenish the crop nutrients drawn from the soil with each harvest. Larger crops draw more nutrients from the soil and increase demand across the supply chain, including producer inventories.
Agriculture is facing a future where farmers will need more fertilizer. Higher yields depend on a balanced supply of essential nutrients – potash, nitrogen, and phosphate – supported by reliable production and distribution systems. As demand continues to rise, one nutrient in particular has taken on increased significance from a global supply and production perspective.
The world needs more potash
Global potash demand has grown in each of the past three years – from 61 million tonnes in 2022 to 74.5 million tonnes in 2025. The upward consumption trend is expected to continue in 2026, with current estimates suggesting the world will consume between 74 to 77 million tonnes of potash this year.
In simple terms, the world needs more potash and Nutrien is well positioned to deliver an unmatched ability to increase production at its existing operations. From its six large-scale operations in Saskatchewan, the company has boosted production from 13 million tonnes in 2022 to 14 million tonnes in 2025.
Significantly, Nutrien remains the most likely source of additional future production. Its operations draw from massive ore bodies and hold reserves that can serve the world’s farmers for generations to come. While greenfield production takes significant time and investment to bring online, Nutrien can increase production from existing facilities to meet rising demand today and in the future.
“Having six mines gives us a strong line of sight on where the next tonne will come from and at what cost,” says Seitz. “As we plan our volume trajectory – not just for this year and next, but over the medium term – we know when additional tonnes can be brought on. With 15 million tonnes of capability this year, we’re well positioned to grow alongside the market.”
Increasing potash production volumes is only one of Nutrien’s advantages in meeting the needs of farmers all over the world. Through its sophisticated distribution network, and retail locations, Nutrien can move growing volumes of potash from Saskatchewan to agricultural regions where it is needed most.
Feeding the future: Modern mining for a growing world
Recognizing the undeniable trends in global agriculture, Nutrien has built its long-term strategy around three fundamental principles: focus on core activities (like potash production), enhance safety and efficiency through operational excellence, and prioritize investments that sustain safe and reliable operations.
As an example, the company has made significant investments in new autonomous mining technologies at its potash facilities. These technologies contribute to safer mining by removing underground workers from higher-risk areas, and enhance efficiency by optimizing the way ore bodies are mined.
In 2025, almost half of Nutrien’s potash ore was mined using autonomous technologies, which is more than double the amount from two years ago. The result is a safer work environment and increased output for global markets.
By demonstrating its own relentless pursuit of improvement, Nutrien is joining farmers in the quest to improve global food security. And just as there is a farmer behind every crop, Nutrien is committed to standing behind every farmer.
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