The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened the application period for its Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. The FIELDS Program provides up to $500 million in funding for qualifying fertilizer manufacturing projects, generating significant interest across the organics recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery, and fertilizer industries.
As we’ve reviewed the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and worked to better understand how the program applies to the organics industry, one thing has become clear: the eligibility requirements are more specific than many operators may initially expect.
This article highlights the key considerations organics operators should understand before investing significant time and resources into a FIELDS application.
What Is the USDA FIELDS Program?
The USDA FIELDS Program is designed to strengthen the domestic fertilizer supply chain by supporting large-scale fertilizer manufacturing projects that increase U.S. production capacity.
Funding is intended for qualifying manufacturing projects that include new or expanded production facilities, eligible process-manufacturing equipment, and supporting infrastructure. Detailed eligibility requirements are outlined in the USDA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
For organics operators, understanding those eligibility requirements is the critical first step, which is where much of the current confusion begins.
The biggest misconception we’ve seen is the assumption that this funding broadly applies to composting operations. Based on the USDA’s eligibility requirements, the program is much more narrowly focused on expanding domestic fertilizer manufacturing capacity.
What Organics Operators Should Understand
While the FIELDS Program has generated significant interest across the organics recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and nutrient recovery industries, the eligibility requirements are more specific than many operators may expect.
After reviewing the USDA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), one distinction becomes clear: the program is designed to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing capacity, not to broadly fund composting or organics processing projects.
For organizations evaluating this opportunity, the most important questions are not only “Do we produce compost?” but rather:
- Does our operation produce a qualifying fertilizer product?
- Does our project include eligible process manufacturing?
- Can we demonstrate substantial increases in domestic fertilizer production and market impact?
Answering these questions early can help determine whether the program aligns with your proposed project before you invest significant time and resources in an application.
Traditional Composting Operations Are Not Automatically Eligible
A traditional composting operation may not qualify based solely on its current compost production activities.
Compost production, screening, blending, bagging, or packaging alone may not satisfy the FIELDS Program’s process-manufacturing requirements. USDA requires applicants to process manufacture, or plan to process manufacture, fertilizer in accordance with applicable federal, state, Tribal, and local regulations.
For organics operators, the important distinction is how the material is transformed and whether the project will create or expand qualifying fertilizer-manufacturing capacity.
Operators should be prepared to clearly explain:
- The organic materials or feedstocks entering the process
- How those materials will be transformed
- The fertilizer product produced through the process
- The machinery and technology required
- The increase in domestic fertilizer-production capacity
- The market demand for the finished product
- How the project supports the NOFO’s objectives
Process Manufacturing Is a Key Requirement
One of the most important eligibility considerations is whether the proposed project includes qualifying process manufacturing.
USDA will look beyond whether an organization accepts or manages organic materials. The application will need to demonstrate how the proposed operation produces a qualifying fertilizer product at a commercial scale.
This may involve evaluating:
- Material preprocessing
- Feedstock preparation
- Biological, thermal, chemical, or mechanical transformation
- Nutrient recovery and concentration
- Product refinement or stabilization
- Manufacturing capacity and throughput
- Quality control and regulatory compliance
- Packaging and distribution, as part of a broader manufacturing process.
The exact requirements will depend on the proposed process, equipment, finished product, and the definitions contained in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The Program Is Intended for Large-Scale Manufacturing Projects
The FIELDS Program is designed to support major capital investments that expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing capacity.
With federal awards ranging from $15 million to $150 million and matching funds required from applicants, the program is geared toward large-scale manufacturing projects rather than routine equipment replacements or incremental facility improvements.
Organizations considering an application should evaluate the complete project scope, which may include:
- Process-manufacturing equipment
- Facility construction or expansion
- Land or facility acquisition
- Engineering and professional services
- Safety and environmental requirements
- Equipment installation and customization
- Supporting infrastructure
- Working capital associated with increased production
- Storage, distribution, and transportation improvements
USDA also identifies qualifying manufacturing equipment, facility modernization, and related infrastructure as eligible project costs when they support an approved manufacturing project.
Could an Organic Fertilizer Project Qualify for FIELDS Funding?
Potentially.
Organizations that use organic feedstocks in a qualifying fertilizer manufacturing process may be eligible, provided the proposed project meets the NOFO’s manufacturing, product, ownership, scale, and market impact requirements.
Eligibility may depend on:
- The specific fertilizer product being manufactured
- Whether the process qualifies as fertilizer process manufacturing
- The production technology and equipment being installed
- The scale of the proposed capital investment
- The applicant’s matching funds and financial viability
- The project’s commercial and technical readiness
- The anticipated increase in domestic fertilizer availability
- The project’s ability to begin increasing production within the required timeframe
The use of organic feedstocks or the production of an environmentally beneficial product does not, by itself, guarantee eligibility.
Application Requirements and Deadline
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on August 17, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must have an active System for Award Management registration. USDA recommends beginning the SAM registration process at least one month before the application deadline because activation can take time.
Applicants should also review the supporting materials provided by USDA, including:
- The Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity
- The FIELDS feasibility study guide
- The application checklist
- Environmental review requirements
- Applicant certifications
- Required federal application forms
Guidance and Eligibility Requirements
The FIELDS Program represents a significant opportunity for qualifying fertilizer manufacturers and organizations with eligible manufacturing projects.
However, because eligibility depends on specific manufacturing processes, project scale, ownership requirements, and market impact, organizations should carefully review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity before committing substantial time and resources to an application.
The USDA NOFO remains the authoritative source for eligibility requirements, funding thresholds, matching requirements, eligible expenses, deadlines, and application procedures.
Review the official USDA FIELDS Program information here: Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply.
How Viably Can Support Your Evaluation
Determining whether a proposed facility, manufacturing process, or equipment investment meets the NOFO thresholds may require a detailed technical and operational review.
If you’re evaluating whether your process or equipment may align with the FIELDS Program requirements, Viably’s team can help assess potential equipment configurations, production capabilities, and manufacturing considerations.
Our team can help you explore:
- Equipment specifications and production capabilities
- Potential process configurations
- Facility and infrastructure requirements
- Estimated throughput and capacity
- Equipment integration considerations
- Technical information that may be required to support an application
Contact Viably to discuss your proposed process, equipment requirements, and project objectives.
This article is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or grant-application advice. USDA is responsible for determining applicant and project eligibility. Applicants should review the official NOFO and consult appropriate legal, financial, environmental, and technical advisors before submitting an application.
