Rollins Announces $500M To Strengthen Fertilizer Supply Chain

USDA is launching a new $500 million program aimed at boosting domestic fertilizer production and reducing farmers' dependence on foreign suppliers.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply [FIELDS] Program, will help fund the construction and expansion of fertilizer manufacturing plants across the country.

Our Goal Is Lower Costs

"For decades, American farmers were forced to rely on unstable foreign suppliers for one of the most important inputs needed to feed our nation," said Rollins. "Today we are announcing a plan to end this consolidation and bring competition back to the American fertilizer industry. Under President Trump's leadership, USDA is rebuilding America's fertilizer manufacturing base, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring our producers have reliable and affordable access to the fertilizer they need to remain competitive. The previous administration chose to prioritize their radical climate agenda when searching for fertilizer projects, and as result let this problem exacerbate by not getting shovels in the ground and only building 6% of their stated goal. The Trump Administration’s FIELDS program is solely focused on producing fertilizer leading to lower costs for American farmers and consumers, as well as restoring a critical supply chain for our country. Farm security is national security.”

We're Ready To Rebuild

“American natural resource extraction is the safest and most environmentally friendly in the world. It makes zero sense to import fertilizer from foreign competitors when we can make it right here while fueling our economy and protecting human health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “This is an obvious win-win for Americans farmers, families, and businesses. The Trump EPA stands ready to help rebuild this vital arm of American manufacturing while ensuring each facility adheres to the strict environmental standards required by law.”

Grants ranging from $15-$150 million will go to “shovel-ready” projects that can quickly increase production. USDA said the goal is to strengthen the nation's fertilizer supply chain, increase competition, and help lower fertilizer costs for farmers over the long term.

The Department noted FIELDS builds upon USDA’s review of more than 120 fertilizer projects inherited from the previous Administration. The FIELDS Program is designed to support projects that are:

Made in America
Independent and Competitive
Farmer Focused
Innovative
Energy Dominant and Secure
Capable of Delivering Measurable Production Increases

A Multi-Generational Investment

“Food security is national security,” Rollins added. “A strong domestic fertilizer industry is essential to a strong agricultural economy. This investment will help ensure American farmers have access to a secure, reliable, and domestically produced fertilizer supply for generations to come.”

Click Here to learn more about the FIELDS Program.

Applications for the funding must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov on August 15th.