DONALDSONVILLE — The Mosaic Company will lay off over 200 employees at two of its Louisiana facilities due to ongoing sulfur supply constraints affecting phosphate fertilizer production. 

According to a WARN notice filed on Aug. 26, the Mosaic Company will have 206 workers laid off by Saturday, Oct. 10.

Company spokespeople said in a prepared statement that global sulfur supply constraints and “extraordinary market conditions” led to the decision to reduce portions of its workforce at its Uncle Sam and Faustina facilities, located in Donaldsonville and Convent.

According to the company’s website, with more than 500 employees and contractors in Louisiana, the company is one of the largest employers in St. James Parish.

Ammonia production at Faustina continues uninterrupted during the idling of phosphate operations. Company officials noted the challenge was previously disclosed in its Q2 earnings release and discussed during its earnings call.

“As previously disclosed in our Q2 earnings release and discussed during our earnings call, Mosaic is navigating an ongoing challenge related to the availability and cost of sulfur, an essential input for phosphate fertilizer production,” reads a statement from the company. “The safety of our employees, contractors, communities, and the environment remains Mosaic's highest priority. Mosaic will continue to responsibly manage its facilities and assets, in accordance with regulatory requirements.”

The company also plans to pursue opportunities to resume full operations as market conditions improve, according to officials.

In a letter, a spokesperson for Mosaic said the company intends to support its employees in the transition.

"We recognize how difficult this news is for our employees and their families. 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," the letter read.