USDA's $35M push to increase domestic fertilizer supply

$35 Million grant to strengthen US fertilizer production

In a strategic move announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, the USDA is dedicating $35 million to amplify domestic fertilizer production. This initiative, part of the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), supports independent business owners in seven states to advance technology and expand operations.

The program aims to create 768 new jobs and increase fertilizer production capacity by over 5.6 million tons. This significant push will help stabilize fertilizer prices, which have doubled due to factors like the ongoing war in Ukraine and competitive limitations in the industry.

Companies such as Dramm Corp. in Wisconsin are set to expand their sustainable practices, utilizing fish waste to produce eco-friendly fertilizers. Meanwhile, AdvanSix in Virginia will escalate its output to meet growing demands along the East Coast.

This investment by the administration underlines a commitment to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also to implement climate-smart solutions and strengthen rural economies.

It’s a comprehensive approach to foster innovation and competitiveness in agriculture while addressing the pressing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.

By bolstering the production capabilities within the U.S., the USDA is not only aiding in reducing dependency on imports but also fortifying the agricultural sector against future disruptions.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to transform America's food system, ensuring a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food landscape for future generations.