Federal Grant To Double Fertilizer Capacity At NC Facility

RAEFORD, N.C. — A Hoke County agricultural supplier has completed an expansion designed to increase fertilizer availability for farmers across North Carolina with the help of a $2.3 million federal grant.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program joined Farm Chemicals Inc. on Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of two new 500,000-gallon fertilizer storage tanks.

The expansion was funded through the USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program and is expected to double the company’s fertilizer and nutrient alternative production capacity for North Carolina growers.

Whitney Lovette, a Rural Development area specialist for North Carolina, said the investment is intended to strengthen the domestic fertilizer supply chain while supporting agriculture and rural communities.

“This investment demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first by strengthening our domestic fertilizer supply chain and ensuring producers have the resources they need to succeed,” Lovette said. “The $2.3 million fertilizer production investment in Farm Chemicals Inc. will help increase fertilizer availability for North Carolina growers, support good-paying rural jobs, and reinforce the long-term strength of American agriculture. USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with businesses that are expanding opportunities in rural communities while helping feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”

According to USDA, the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program provides grants to help increase domestic fertilizer production and improve supply chain resiliency. Eligible recipients include private businesses, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribal organizations and state or local governments.

USDA Rural Development administers loan and grant programs that support economic development, infrastructure and other projects in rural communities throughout North Carolina and across the country.