On Friday USDA announced $250 million in grants available to address high fertilizer prices partially in response to the war in Ukraine.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the goal is to stimulate independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production.  He outlined the program at Commodity Classic.

Vilsack emphasized the program is not available to major fertilizer players.

He says they will be vetting ideas and partnering with industry to help ease the pain of record fertilizer prices.

Additionally, to address growing competition concerns in the agricultural supply chain, Vilsack says USDA will launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets.