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U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.

Jamal Habibi has been promoted to Chief of Staff for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

Most recently, Habibi served as Chief of Staff for Rural Housing Service since February 2021. As Chief of Staff, Habibi supported American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) implementation efforts and collaborated with the White House and various federal agencies to develop USDA commitments that boost new housing supply and provide greater protections for tenants in rural communities. Before his appointment at USDA, Habibi was a Senior Associate at the Opportunity Finance Network. During the Obama Administration, Habibi served as Outreach Director at the Department of Treasury and as a Special Assistant at USDA. Habibi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

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Why the Fertilizer Crisis Won’t End When the Iran War Does

Video: Why the Fertilizer Crisis Won’t End When the Iran War Does

The fertilizer crisis didn’t start with war — it revealed a system already under strain.

Seed World U.S. Editor Aimee Nielson breaks down what’s really happening in global fertilizer markets and why the impact on farmers may last far longer than current headlines suggest. Featuring insights from global fertilizer expert Melih Keyman and industry leaders Chris Abbott and Chris Turner, this conversation explores:

Why fertilizer supply was already tight before geopolitical disruption

What the Strait of Hormuz and global trade routes mean for input availability

How rising nitrogen prices are crushing farmer margins

Why this crisis could affect seed choices, crop mix and acreage decisions

The hidden risks around phosphate and sulfur supply

Why experts say this situation may get worse before it gets better

Even if tensions ease, the underlying issues — supply constraints, investment gaps and purchasing behavior — are still in play.

Watch to understand what this means for farmers, the seed industry and the future of global food production.