Mosaic to layoff nearly 200 workers as it idles South Fort Meade operations

FORT MEADE, Fla. - Chemical giant Mosaic is idling its South Fort Meade fertilizer plant on Dec. 8, laying off roughly 199 workers due to a global sulfur supply crunch, according to state filings.

Mosaic Polk County idling

What we know:

According to the document, Mosaic made the decision to pause operations at its South Fort Meade facility due to ongoing supply chain challenges and extraordinary costs surrounding sulfur, an essential component in producing phosphate fertilizer. The company claims previously curtailed production across global operations, but persistent market constraints forced the long-term idle. A total of 199 employees will reportedly be impacted by the reduction, which qualifies as a mass layoff under federal WARN Act regulations. Affected workers received 60 days' advance notice, with employment separations scheduled for Dec. 8. A core group of employees will stay behind to handle care, maintenance, safety and environmental compliance until conditions permit a restart, according to the filing.

Florida chemical workers union

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet released the final breakdown of specific job titles or the exact number of workers in each category who will be laid off, as the internal analysis remains incomplete. It is also unclear how many hourly union workers will successfully exercise bumping rights under their collective bargaining agreement to displace into other positions. Additionally, company leadership has not set a precise timeline for reopening the facility, stating only that they expect the temporary shutdown to exceed six months.

Fort Meade labor details

What they're saying:

The document states Chemical Workers Union Council of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 814C represents the hourly workers at the site. Union President Joshua Goodwyn was notified of the upcoming layoffs on behalf of the bargaining unit, according to the document.

Company management expressed regret over the decision while emphasizing worker support during the transition. "We recognize how difficult this news is for our employees and their families," company officials said in the notice. "Please know that we are committed to supporting them through this transition, with the care and safety of our people and communities as our top priority."

Supply chain issues explained

Dig deeper:

Seckin Ozkul, an assistant professor of supply chain management at the University of South Florida, explained that 40-45% of the world's sulfur moves through the Strait of Hormuz annually.

"With most of that sulfur being locked in and not being able to transport through the Strait of Hormuz, what is really happening the supply of Hormuz is impacted throughout the world, which impacted availability. When we have less supply, demand is the same, so the cost is going up," said Ozkul.

Ozkul says right now companies need to diversify suppliers and be competitive by entering into early contracts to ensure more supply. Ozkul adds in the long run, if this situation continues, it could impact farmers unless they can diversify who they're buying from.

Farmers may decide to plant other crops to decrease the amount of fertilizer they use.

"What this means for you is, you may not be able to see as much of a variety of foods coming from farmers or the same types we're used to and if this does continue for a long time, we'll see the impact of food on our tables and the grocery stores," he said.

South Fort Meade future

What's next:

Mosaic plans to resume operations as soon as market conditions and sulfur availability allow for a safe, reliable restart. State and local leaders will work alongside the company to connect transitioning staff with employment resources. 

Polk County