USDA FIELDS Program Funding for Domestic Fertilizer Manufacturing
USDA Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program
Funding Opportunity Number: RD-RBS-26-01-FIELDS
Funding Agency: USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Total Funding Available: $500 Million
Award Size: $15 Million–$100 Million
Cost Share Requirement: 50% Match Required
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
Program Overview
The USDA Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program is designed to strengthen America’s fertilizer manufacturing industry by expanding independent domestic production capacity. Administered by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the program provides up to $500 million in competitive funding to support projects that increase fertilizer availability, improve supply chain resilience, and promote greater competition within the U.S. fertilizer market.
FIELDS focuses on commercially viable manufacturing projects capable of increasing domestic fertilizer production while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and improving long-term agricultural resilience.
Program Objectives
The FIELDS Program supports projects that help build a stronger domestic fertilizer industry by:
- Expanding independent fertilizer manufacturing capacity
- Increasing competition within the fertilizer marketplace
- Reducing reliance on imported fertilizer products
- Strengthening domestic agricultural supply chains
- Supporting American farmers through improved fertilizer availability
- Encouraging innovative fertilizer production technologies
Eligible Projects
Funding may be used for projects that significantly increase domestic fertilizer manufacturing capacity, including:
- Construction of new fertilizer manufacturing facilities
- Expansion of existing production facilities
- Facility modernization and equipment upgrades
- Engineering and pre-development activities
- Process manufacturing equipment purchases
- On-site storage and transportation infrastructure supporting fertilizer production
- Technology improvements that increase production efficiency and safety
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to a broad range of organizations, including:
- Tribes and Tribal entities
- Alaska Native Corporations
- For-profit companies
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Producer-owned cooperatives
- Certified benefit corporations
- State and local government entities
Applicants must be domestically owned, operate within the United States or its territories, and demonstrate compliance with all applicable fertilizer manufacturing regulations. Private entities must also be independently owned and operated.
Funding Details
- Total Funding: $500 million
- Minimum Award: $15 million
- Maximum Award: $100 million
- Matching Requirement: 50% of eligible project costs
- Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
Applicants should ensure matching funds are secured and documented before submitting an application, as all awards require a non-federal cost share equal to 50% of eligible project costs.
Why This Program Matters
Reliable access to fertilizer is critical to agricultural productivity and food security. Global supply disruptions and concentrated manufacturing capacity have demonstrated the importance of expanding domestic production. The FIELDS Program supports investments that improve fertilizer availability while strengthening rural economies, increasing manufacturing resilience, and promoting long-term competitiveness across the agricultural sector.
Projects supported through FIELDS can also contribute to more efficient production technologies, improved logistics, and greater supply chain stability for U.S. producers.
How LEC Partners Supports Fertilizer Manufacturing Projects
Developing or expanding fertilizer manufacturing facilities requires expertise across engineering, technology selection, feedstock sourcing, permitting, commercial markets, financing, and project execution. LEC Partners provides implementation-focused advisory services to help organizations evaluate opportunities and reduce development risk.
- Independent feasibility studies
- Technology assessments
- Technical and commercial due diligence
- Engineering and process evaluations
- Market and competitive analysis
- Feedstock and supply chain assessments
- Project development support
- Funding strategy and application support
With a network of more than 150 specialists, LEC Partners helps clients move projects from concept through commercialization with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available through the FIELDS Program?
USDA has made $500 million available, with individual awards ranging from $15 million to $100 million.
Is matching funding required?
Yes. Applicants must provide a non-federal cost share equal to 50% of total eligible project costs.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include new fertilizer manufacturing facilities, facility expansions, modernization projects, equipment purchases, engineering activities, and supporting infrastructure that increases domestic fertilizer production.
Who may apply?
Eligible applicants include tribes, for-profit companies, nonprofits, producer cooperatives, certified benefit corporations, Alaska Native Corporations, and state or local government entities that meet USDA eligibility requirements.
When are applications due?
Applications must be submitted by August 17, 2026.
Talk With an Expert
LEC Partners helps fertilizer manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and project sponsors evaluate opportunities, reduce technical and commercial risk, and prepare competitive projects for financing and implementation. Our multidisciplinary team provides practical guidance from feasibility through commercialization.
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