The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. This initiative is designed to increase domestic fertilizer production and strengthen long term supply for U.S. farmers producing agricultural commodities.
Through the Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA’s Rural Business Cooperative Service will administer up to $500 million in FIELDS awards. Funding will support projects that expand domestic fertilizer production capacity, promote market competition, enhance supply chain resilience, and increase the availability of fertilizer critical to U.S. agricultural productivity. “The FIELDS Program represents a major step forward in strengthening America’s agricultural supply chain. By expanding domestic fertilizer production, we’re giving farmers greater stability, reducing reliance on foreign sources, and supporting long‑term productivity across rural communities,” said Rick Stern, USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director.
Eligible applicants include Tribes, Tribal entities, Alaska Native corporations, for profit businesses, corporations, nonprofit organizations, producer owned cooperatives, certified benefit corporations, and state or local government entities. All private entities must be independently owned and operated.
Projects funded through FIELDS may include expansions or upgrades of existing fertilizer production facilities, construction of new domestic plants, shovel ready projects capable of rapidly increasing supply, and on site fertilizer terminals or transportation infrastructure to improve supply chain efficiency. Projects must demonstrate manufacturing approaches that are:
• Independent from dominant fertilizer suppliers;
• Made in America;
• Innovative;
• Energy dominant and secure; and
• Farmer focused.
Priority consideration will be given to projects that are in advanced stages of development, technically feasible, financially viable, and supported by other confirmed funding sources.
Competitive cost share awards ranging from $15 million to $150 million are available. Matching funds are required.
Electronic applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on August 17, 2026.
Source : usda.gov