The multi-million dollar investment underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and job creation within the United States.
In a significant move to enhance supplier competition for American farmers and ranchers while addressing energy costs in the agricultural sector, the Biden administration is investing $207 million in domestic fertilizer and renewable energy projects. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the allocation on Monday, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting the agricultural industry.
As part of the initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is directing $50 million towards the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), established in response to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Seven projects across seven states will benefit from this funding, including the construction of a fully automated fertilizer facility in Nebraska geared towards manufacturing custom products. Another project in North Carolina involves the purchase and installation of an anaerobic digestion facility for producing organic fertilizer and ammonium sulfate.
Furthermore, the USDA is allocating $157 million through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to support 675 projects in 42 states. Notable initiatives include the installation of a solar array in Colorado to assist a wastewater treatment facility, a solar photovoltaic system on a soybean farm in Pennsylvania, and an energy-efficient refrigeration system at a meat company in South Dakota.
More than $94 million of the REAP funding is sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at helping farmers and agricultural producers reduce energy costs and generate new revenue streams. Secretary Vilsack highlighted the importance of these investments in expanding renewable energy infrastructure, increasing domestic fertilizer production, and creating employment opportunities.
“The investments announced will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertilizer production, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities,” said Vilsack in a statement.
This multi-million dollar investment underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and job creation within the United States.