WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a significant partnership with American business owners. Through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), the USDA is awarding $35 million to support seven innovative projects across seven states.
The grants, funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, aim to modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, and build production plants. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, focusing on economic growth from the middle out and bottom up.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make innovative investments that bolster rural communities and support farmers, ranchers, and small business owners.” The program not only seeks to increase fertilizer production but also aims to enhance supply chain resilience and create well-paying jobs nationwide.
To date, the USDA has committed $286.6 million to 64 projects in 32 states under FPEP. These projects have already created 768 new jobs and are projected to boost domestic fertilizer production by over 5.6 million tons. This expansion is crucial for reducing costs for U.S. farmers and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
For example, in Wisconsin, Dramm Corp. will utilize a $776,000 grant to expand its production capacity. The company, which produces liquid fish fertilizer from fish offal, aims to reduce waste and increase safety while supporting organic and traditional farming. Meanwhile, in Virginia, AdvanSix will expand its ammonium sulfate production facility with nearly $12 million in funding, significantly boosting its output for agricultural producers.
Additional awards are being made to facilities in California, Iowa, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee. These projects highlight the FPEP’s role in promoting fair competition, innovation, and resilience in the agricultural sector, while also addressing global food insecurity and the climate crisis.
USDA Rural Development plays a pivotal role in this effort by providing loans and grants to expand economic opportunities in rural areas. Their assistance supports infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities, enhancing the quality of life for millions of Americans.
This partnership represents a key step forward in strengthening rural communities and ensuring the U.S. agricultural sector remains robust and competitive in a global market.
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