U.S. Department of Agriculture announced about $500 million in grants for American-made fertilizer production.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grants, intended to create competition and fight the price hikes U.S. farmers have endured since the war in Ukraine began, according to a Sept. 27 news release.

"Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is creating a resilient, secure and sustainable economy, and this support to provide domestic, independent choices for fertilizer supplies is part of that effort," Vilsack said in the news release. "USDA believes in the growth of innovative, local businesses owned and shared by people who can best serve their own unique community’s needs, fill gaps and build opportunities."

The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is only part of the Biden administration's "whole-of-government effort" to support competition in the nation's agricultural markets, the news release reported. The grants are being funded through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation to support domestic fertilizer production and processing and nutrient substitutes in the U.S. and its territories.

"Recent supply chain disruptions have shown just how critical it is to invest in the agricultural supply chain here at home," Vilsack said in the release. "The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is one example of many Biden-Harris administration initiatives to bring production and jobs back to the United States, promote competition and support American goods and services."

The grant term is five years with a maximum award of $100 million and a minimum award of $1 million, according to the release.