USDA Grants Will Invest In Fertilizer Made In America

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack delivers remarks Monday, Feb. 7, 2022 at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Vilsack used his visit to Missouri to announce the availability of one billion dollars’ worth of grants for organizations to develop projects to commoditize climate-smart practices farmers are using on their operations. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)

The USDA announced Friday it will support developing additional fertilizer production in the U.S. to address rising costs and spur competition. Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement while speaking at the general session of the Commodity Classic in New Orleans, but cautioned that it will take time to craft the program.

Central MO Info · 22 0314 USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on Fertilizer Production Grants cut 1

Producers will have to wait awhile for impact from the program, as grant applications won’t become available until this summer.

Central MO Info · 22 0314 USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on Fertilizer Production Grants cut 2

To address growing concerns about competition in the agricultural supply chain, USDA will also launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets. Fertilizer prices have more than doubled since last year due to many factors. The top producers of the major components in fertilizer include China, Russia, Canada, and Morocco. Belarus also provides a significant share of the world’s potash exports.