During a visit to Dramm Corp. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced significant investments by the Biden-Harris Administration aimed at strengthening American farms and businesses. These efforts focus on expanding domestic fertilizer production and increasing independent meat and poultry processing capacity, which are expected to enhance competition and reduce costs for farmers and consumers.
The USDA is allocating over $120 million to fund six fertilizer production projects across Arkansas, California, Illinois, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). This program is supported by the Commodity Credit Corporation and provides financial assistance to independent business owners for modernizing equipment, adopting new technologies, building production plants, among other activities.
Additionally, $20.2 million has been awarded to 26 projects under the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program. This initiative aims to expand processing capacity within the meat and poultry industry while creating jobs in local communities.
Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the impact of these investments: “When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase options for farmers.” She added that these measures would help bring jobs back to the United States while lowering costs for families and supporting farmer income.
Dramm Corp., a previous recipient of an FPEP grant amounting to $776,000, is utilizing its funds to boost production capacity and broaden its customer base while minimizing environmental impact through sustainable practices. Other notable grants include Betley Farms LLC in Wisconsin receiving $3.5 million for a nutrient concentration system; LSB Industries LLC in Arkansas receiving $77 million to expand urea and ammonium nitrate production; Agtegra Cooperative in South Dakota receiving $3 million for new manufacturing facilities.
Since its inception, FPEP has invested over $368 million in 67 projects nationwide with goals of job creation and increased domestic fertilizer production. The program was initiated as a response to rising fertilizer prices influenced by global events such as the war in Ukraine.
The Local MCap grant program supports smaller-scale meat and poultry processors with objectives like increasing processing availability for local producers. Noteworthy projects funded include Haen Meats in Wisconsin upgrading equipment; Granite State Packing Inc. in New Hampshire enhancing pork processing capabilities; Montana Premium Processing Cooperative boosting regional employment opportunities.
Overall, these initiatives align with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda which seeks economic growth from grassroots levels while promoting fair markets for American farmers.
For more information on Local MCap projects or details about USDA's broader initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration visit their official website at www.usda.gov.
