U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $250 million investment to support American-made fertilizers, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced March 11 in a USDA news release.

The investment aims to give U.S. farmers more choices in the marketplace at lower prices, bring production and jobs back to the U.S., promote competition and support American goods and services

“Recent supply chain disruptions from the global pandemic to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine have shown just how important it is to invest in this crucial link in the agricultural supply chain here at home,” Vilsack said.

The new program will support fertilizer production by domestic companies in the U.S., particularly independent, innovative, sustainable and farmer-focused fertilizer producers. The first grant award funds will be announced at the end of 2022, according to the news release.

Fertilizer prices are more than double what they were last year. The USDA reported several factors contribute to the price increases of fertilizer including higher energy and raw material costs, more global demand and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. is dependent on imported fertilizer, ranking as the second or third top global importer. China, Russia, Canada, Morocco and Belarus are the top producers of fertilizer in the world, according to the news release.

The USDA is also starting a public inquiry period for 60 days seeking information on fertilizers, seed and agricultural inputs, retail, wholesale and distribution markets.