Saskatoon based Nutrien announced today that it is increasing potash production in response to the uncertainty of potash supply from Eastern Europe.

Nutrien plans to increase its production capability to approximately 15 million tonnes in 2022 which is an increase of nearly one million tonnes compared to previous expectations.

Ken Seitz, Nutrien’s Interim President and CEO says, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine and we hope for an immediate de-escalation of this conflict. The impacts of this conflict extend beyond Eastern Europe as a disruption in supply of key agriculture, fertilizer and energy commodities could have implications for global food security”

Nutrien’s 2022 potash production is expected to increase by nearly 20 per cent compared to 2020 and account for more than 70 per cent of global production added over this period. The company expects to incur a small increase in its 2022 capital expenditures and will be hiring additional employees in Saskatchewan.

Russia and Belarus are major exporters of potash but Canada is the world’s largest potash producer.