Sponsors (3)
The bill directs immediate, CCC‑funded grants and loans to expand domestic fertilizer production, lower import reliance, and support rural jobs and cleaner production, but it requires local matching, limits participation by large incumbents, and increases federal borrowing and fiscal exposure—which may block some small applicants and constrain rapid scale-up.
Farmers and agricultural producers: increased domestic supply of fertilizers and nutrient alternatives that reduces reliance on imports and likely lowers price volatility for farm inputs.
Domestic manufacturers, small businesses, and rural communities: access to up to $100 million in grants or loans to build or modernize fertilizer processing and storage facilities, supporting local investment and jobs.
Communities and local environments near production sites: funding for adoption of emissions‑reducing and efficiency equipment that can lower environmental impacts from fertilizer production.
Small firms and rural communities: the dollar‑for‑dollar non‑Federal matching requirement may prevent undercapitalized applicants from participating.
Taxpayers and federal fiscal policy: using CCC borrowing authority shifts program costs onto federal borrowing, increasing government exposure and reducing fiscal flexibility.
Small businesses and potential investors: a 10‑year repayment trigger if a funded facility is sold to a large market participant could deter outside investment or acquisitions and limit exit options.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes USDA grants and loans to expand U.S. fertilizer and nutrient‑alternative manufacturing, with matching funds, project priorities, and market‑share protections.
Introduced March 19, 2026 by Amy Klobuchar · Last progress March 19, 2026
Creates a USDA grant and loan program to expand U.S. manufacturing, processing, and storage of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives. The program funds projects at eligible public, private, nonprofit, Tribal, and cooperative entities for facility construction, equipment, emissions reduction, storage, workforce training, and related costs, with project priorities to boost domestic capacity, improve production methods, and strengthen competition. Awards are capped per grant, require a dollar-for-dollar non‑Federal match, include limits on recipient market share, and contain a 10‑year repayment/clawback if a funded facility is sold to a very large market participant; USDA may use Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing authority to fund the program.