USDA funds multi-million fertilizer, renewable energy projects

TL/DR –

Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act will support renewable energy and fertilizer production projects for farmers and ranchers in the US, according to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The $124 million investment from federal legislation will partly fund the Rural Energy for America Program to help farmers and small businesses utilize clean energy sources and the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, which has already seen over $174 million investment from the USDA. Vilsack highlighted that these programs aim to broaden income sources for farms, reduce costs, and offer alternatives to expansion or failure, supporting farmers in living and working on their farms across generations.

USDA Boosts Renewable Energy and Fertilizer Production Support for Farmers

Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will support renewable energy and fertilizer production projects for farmers and ranchers. US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this during a visit to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He emphasized that farm size shouldn’t dictate success and admitted many farmers work two jobs to stay afloat due to the loss of 544,970 US farms since 1981.

Vilsack is keen on expanding farm income options through various USDA programs. “Rather than the farmer working two full-time jobs, the farm should generate multiple sources of income. We’ve established eight ways to increase income or reduce cost,” he said. The latest $124 million investment from federal legislation will support sustainable agriculture, with a substantial portion allocated to the Rural Energy for America Program.

This program aids Ag producers and small business owners in heightening the use of clean energy sources like wind and solar. “It’s beneficial for income increase, utility cost reduction, and the environment. It’s a win-win-win scenario,” Vilsack noted.

The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is another opportunity with $174 million invested by USDA to date. Bluestem Systems recently received $4 million to create a dry fertilizer mix.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark Mchargue appreciated the reminder of these farmer opportunities. “We talk a lot about programs being voluntary and incentive-based, which is significant,” Mchargue said. Vilsack’s aim is to alter the prevailing narrative, introducing alternatives to the ‘get bigger or get out’ mentality. He believes farmers should have the chance to live, work, and raise their families on farms, ensuring their transfer to future generations.

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