October 26, 2026 | By Josh McGill
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected eight fertilizer manufacturing projects representing more than $1.34 billion in proposed investments, including a major expansion in Central Florida. The initiative is intended to strengthen domestic fertilizer production, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and increase competition in a market where fertilizer costs remain a significant concern for farmers.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections Thursday through USDA’s new Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program.
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USDA Announces $1.3 Billion Fertilizer Investment, Including Florida Expansion
Central Florida Fertilizer Plant Among Selected Projects
One of the eight projects is located in Bartow, Florida, where Peace Valley has been selected for approximately $19.9 million in proposed USDA funding toward a $50.6 million fertilizer manufacturing expansion.
According to USDA, the project is expected to support approximately 250,000 tons of annual production of fertilizer products containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur.
For Florida growers, the investment is particularly noteworthy because it would expand fertilizer manufacturing capacity within the state, potentially strengthening regional access to essential agricultural inputs.
USDA Aims to Increase Competition and Lower Fertilizer Costs
Across the eight projects, USDA is proposing approximately $573 million in federal funding, supplemented by private investment.
The selected projects include ammonia manufacturing expansions, new potash production facilities and fertilizer production using agricultural byproducts. One initiative would establish modular ammonia manufacturing facilities in seven states, including Tennessee and Kentucky.
USDA says concentration in the fertilizer industry has limited competition. According to the department, four companies control approximately 77% of North American nitrogen fertilizer production capacity, while two companies account for more than 90% of phosphate production capacity.
The FIELDS Program is intended to encourage additional domestic manufacturing and provide farmers with more supply options.
What Could the Investment Mean for Southeast Farmers?
USDA estimates the eight projects could collectively support approximately 1.08 million tons of annual fertilizer production and capacity.
The department’s economic analysis projects that the additional manufacturing capacity could eventually reduce nitrogen fertilizer prices by 4.4% and potash prices by 5.3%.
However, those figures are projections based on the facilities becoming operational, not immediate reductions in fertilizer prices.
For growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, where fertilizer represents a significant production expense, additional manufacturing could eventually improve supply reliability and competition.
The selected projects must still complete the federal funding process, and their ultimate impact on fertilizer prices and availability will depend on successful construction and production.
The announcement represents a proposed expansion of domestic fertilizer manufacturing, with potential long-term implications for agricultural input costs throughout the Southeast.
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