USDA Announces Funding Opportunity for Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program

(Columbus, N.J., July 15). 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.

Rural Development is hosting a public FIELDS program webinar on July 16 at 12 p.m. ET. Register at https://tinyurl.com/heepmt32

Additional details on eligibility and program requirements are available on Grants.gov or by visiting:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/fertilizer-investment-expansion-long-term-domestic-supply

.About USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through loan, grant and loan guarantee programs, USDA assists communities with infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_NewJersey.

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