Earth Peak Organics LLC in Dublin, Ohio, has received a federal grant for more than $3.3 million to boost its capacity for fertilizer production.
According to a press release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $3,339,000 to Earth Peak Organics to "expand its current unique applications of aerobic food waste digestion technology to perfect localized, farmer-focused, closed-loop systems to convert food waste to a natural fertilizer product."
The grant is being released as part of the first round of USDA funding designed to boost domestic fertilizer production capacity to generate competition, provide better choices and prices to U.S. farmers and reduce reliance on foreign fertilizer sources like Russia and Belarus.
"I know that increased costs for fertilizer and other inputs have put a strain on farmers and cut into the bottom line. The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA understand the importance of taking on the root causes and need to invest in the agricultural supply chain here at home to create a resilient, secure and sustainable economy for the long haul," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, according to the press release. "By expanding the production of domestic fertilizer supplies, we can grow independent local businesses, bring production and jobs to rural communities and support fair prices for our farmers. The Biden-Harris Administrations Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is part of a government-wide effort to promote competition in agricultural markets. The program supports fertilizer production that is independent, made-in-America, innovative, sustainable and farmer-focused. "
Last year, Vilsack announced the USDA's intention to dedicate $250 to the program, which was later increased to $500 million by Pres. Joe Biden following a farm visit in Illinois in May 2022. Since then, the program has received applications for approximately $3 billion in grant funding, with requests from 47 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Details for the second round of applications will be released within the upcoming weeks as applications are reviewed. Visitors can find the complete list of awards online at the USDA's website.
