RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 28, 2024 – Virginia is one of seven states included in a new $35 million award for projects to help business owners expand innovative domestic fertilizer production, create jobs and strengthen local economies.
AdvanSix Inc. will use a nearly $12 million grant provided through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to increase operational capacity at its Hopewell facility. The company currently provides granular ammonium sulfate to 31,400 mid-west and east coast agricultural producers and this project will enable the company to increase total production to more than 36,000 producers by 195,000 tons per year.
“We all win with investments like this that promote fair competition, innovation and resiliency across food and agriculture,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “Grants provided to independent business owner like AdvanSix Inc. help them modernize equipment and adopt new technologies that create good-paying jobs and lower costs for farmers.”
USDA is also making awards to facilities in California, Iowa, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Wisconsin to strengthen supply chains, create new economic opportunities for American businesses, and support climate-smart innovation. To date, the agency invested $286.6 million in 64 projects across 32 states through FPEP, which is funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation.
FPEP was created to combat issues facing American farmers due to rising fertilizer prices, which more than doubled between 2021 and 2022, and is part of a broader effort to help producers boost production and address global food insecurity. It is also one of many ways the Administration is promoting fair competition, innovation and resiliency across food and agriculture while combating the climate crisis.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America and www.rd.usda.gov for more information on USDA Rural Development programs and services. Get regular updates by subscribing to GovDelivery.