Bill > S4148

This bill, known as the "Homegrown Fertilizer Act," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program that provides grants and loans to eligible entities within the United States to increase domestic fertilizer production and storage. Eligible entities include for-profit and non-profit businesses, cooperatives, Indian Tribes, and state or local governments, provided they are physically located in the U.S., comply with all relevant regulations, and do not hold a dominant market share in fertilizer production. The program prioritizes projects that innovate fertilizer production methods, dedicate new capacity to U.S. agriculture, or improve market competition and reduce fertilizer prices for farmers. Funds can be used for various purposes, including building or modernizing facilities, purchasing equipment, covering predevelopment costs, and workforce training, with grants capped at $100 million and requiring matching funds. The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, will oversee this initiative, which aims to supplement existing funding and coordinate with other federal agencies to strengthen the U.S. fertilizer supply chain.