USDA launches $500 million program to expand domestic fertilizer production

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WASHINGTON (KBSI) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a new $500 million program aimed at expanding domestic fertilizer production and strengthening the nation’s agricultural supply chain.

The Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply, or FIELDS, Program will provide funding to support the construction and expansion of fertilizer manufacturing facilities across the country.

According to USDA, the program is intended to increase production of key crop nutrients, strengthen competition in the fertilizer industry and improve long-term affordability for farmers. The initiative is funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation and administered by USDA Rural Development.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the program is designed to reduce reliance on foreign fertilizer suppliers and improve supply chain security for American agriculture.

The program will support projects that produce nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulfur and other essential crop nutrients. USDA said priority will be given to financially viable, construction-ready projects capable of increasing domestic fertilizer production.

Individual awards will range from $15 million to $150 million.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 15 and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Additional information is available through USDA Rural Development.