The USDA on June 23 awarded $30 million to seven projects under its Fertilizer Production Expansion Program and announced the agency is inviting public comments on 66 additional projects eligible to receive program funding, including those focused on anaerobic digestion and biochar.

The USDA announced the launch of FPEP in September 2022. The program aims to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity in the U.S. to increase availability and reduce costs. The agency initially announced plans to award $250 million in grants under the program, but soon doubled available funding to $500 million.

In March 2023, the USDA announced an initial round of FPEP awards, including a $4.9 million grant to expand an anaerobic digestion facility located in Missouri. On June 23, the agency awarded a combined $30 million to seven projects, including a $2.95 million award to Florida-based Sunshine Organics and Compost LLC to support the increased production of biochar and other products.

Anaerobic digestion and biochar projects are also among the 66 eligible projects for which the EPA is inviting public comments. Examples include projects under development by California-based Anaergia Nutrients LLC; Michigan-based Scenic View Dairy; Minnesota-based Nature Energy US LLC; North Carolina-based BioGas Corp.; and Virginia-based SWVA Biochar LLC.

Additional information, including a full list of eligible projects, is available on the USDA website. Public comments can be filed through July 22.