Applications Open for Fertilizer Production Expansion Program

The purpose of FPEP is to expand capacity, improve competition, and increase supply chain resilience within the agricultural fertilizer and nutrient management sector, in connection with the production of agricultural commodities. To meet its purpose, FPEP will support the production of agricultural commodities through the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives.

Grant funds may be used to expand processing capacity by supporting activities such as:

• Construction of a new facility or purchase of an existing facility for purposes of expanding capacity or increasing output, including the purchase of land;
• Pre-development costs including, but not limited to, engineering and other professional fees;
• Working capital to support expanded capacity or increased outputs;
• Modernizing or expanding an existing facility, including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and construction of new buildings at existing facilities;
• Purchasing new, or modernizing existing processing and manufacturing equipment;
• Customizing, and installing equipment, devices, and technology that improves processing functions, worker conditions, or safety;
• Modernizing, customizing, and installing climate‐smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases fertilizer use efficiency, improves air and water quality, or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals;
• Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements under applicable law (including sealing, packaging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment);
• Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements under applicable law;
• Engaging in workforce recruitment, training, apprenticeships, and retention to ensure expansion projects will be adequately staffed and crewed and offer opportunities to workers.