The Biden administration recently revealed a significant financial commitment of $207 million for domestic fertilizer and renewable energy projects. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on January 22, 2024, announced this funding with the main aim of boosting competition among suppliers for American farmers and ranchers. The primary motivation behind this initiative is to lower the energy expenses incurred by those engaged in agricultural production. Through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), the USDA is directing $50 million to seven projects across seven states. These projects encompass the development of a fully automated fertilizer facility in Nebraska and the establishment of a new anaerobic digestion facility in North Carolina.

Furthermore, the USDA is distributing $157 million for 675 projects in 42 states under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). These projects span various renewable energy endeavors, including the installation of a solar array in Colorado, a solar photovoltaic system on a soybean farm in Pennsylvania, and an energy-efficient refrigeration system at a meat company in South Dakota. A noteworthy portion of the REAP funding, exceeding $94 million, is sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act. The primary objective is to aid farmers and agricultural producers in curtailing energy costs and generating additional revenue. Vilsack emphasized that these investments will not only contribute to expanding access to renewable energy infrastructure but also increase domestic fertilizer production, create job opportunities, and allow individuals to save money on energy costs, which can then be reinvested into their businesses and communities.