At the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Secretary Vilsack announced on Wednesday that USDA is partnering with American business owners to expand innovative domestic fertilizer production, creating jobs in rural communities, strengthening local economies, and lowering input costs for producers. As part of President Biden’s commitment to strengthen the U.S. fertilizer industry and further American energy independence, USDA announced $35 million for seven projects in seven states through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), which is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
To date, USDA has invested $286.6 million in 64 projects across 32 states through FPEP. These projects have created 768 new jobs in communities across the country and will increase domestic fertilizer production by over 5.6 million tons. These investments will boost domestic fertilizer production and lower costs for U.S. farmers.
On Thursday, Secretary Vilsack was in North Liberty, Iowa, to hold an Investing in America Town Hall where he met with Iowans and discussed efforts by USDA to create additional income opportunities for producers and entrepreneurs by building more, new, and better markets.
Hear more on USDA Radio and see photos here.
Key Headlines:
- Iowa Public Radio: USDA Announces $35 million investment to Expand Fertilizer Production, Bird Flu Vaccine Trials
- Feedstuffs: USDA Awarding $35m to Further Expand Domestic Fertilizer Production
- AgWeek: Vilsack Announces $35 Million in Fertilizer Expansion Projects in U.S.
- CBS2Iowa: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Holds Town Hall in North Liberty Touting USDA’s Efforts
