WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA is launching a $500 million fertilizer investment program to expand domestic production and improve long-term input affordability for farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply Program, known as FIELDS. USDA Rural Development will administer the program through the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
The funding will support construction and expansion of domestic fertilizer production facilities. USDA says the program will prioritize shovel-ready, financially viable projects that can increase production of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulfur, and other critical crop nutrients.
Individual awards will range from $15 million to $150 million. USDA says the program will emphasize American-made production, independent competition, farmer-focused benefits, energy security, and measurable increases in production.
The effort follows other fertilizer actions, including the suspension of duties on Moroccan phosphate imports, critical mineral designations for phosphate and potash, and a USDA-Justice Department focus on competition in agricultural inputs.
