Deadline to apply is July 7
In 2022, USDA made $500 million available under the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to spur domestic competition and combat rising fertilizer costs caused by the war in Ukraine. The Department received applications from more than 350 businesses seeking to increase fertilizer production. Due to the strong demand for funding, the Commodity Credit Corporation is providing up to $400 million in additional FPEP funding to finance even more projects that will promote competition in agricultural markets.
New Project Selections
As part of this effort, USDA is inviting public comments on 66 projects eligible to receive grants to increase fertilizer production. The Department will only consider projects that adhere to federal policies designed to protect the environment and historic properties.
USDA is seeking comments that assess how well each applicant plans to:
Comments must be submitted to FPEP@usda.gov by July 22. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/fpep-environmental-review-comments.
"This Chester County Ag Council publication features the county's diverse array of farms and locally grown products from artisan cheeses, flowers, and wine to heirloom tomatoes, meats, and eggs. The guide, highlighting over 125 family-owned farms and markets, includes a map and farm addresses, plus a chart that indicates what's currently in season."
'With approximately 31% of Chester County's land devoted to farming, agriculture is a critical industry for our region's economy and the county's sense of place,' the Commissioners said. 'Even as the county's population continues to rapidly expand, our farming legacy endures with a great variety of farming types.'
Chester County ranks second among all 67 Pennsylvania counties (and 53rd in the U.S.) in the total value of agricultural products sold with annual sales of more than $712 million.
Grants awarded under VPP are provided to municipalities to achieve consistency with and implementation of Landscapes3 while accomplishing impactful, lasting, and positive benefits through planning projects that address opportunities and issues of community concern. This round of funding is anticipated to have approximately $215,000 available. The round opens on July 3, 2023 and applications are due September 8th.
The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) is an exciting new opportunity for young people between the ages of 16-29. This group of passionate young leaders from across the country will provide advice and recommendations on environmental issues directly to the head of the EPA.
The NEYAC will include sixteen members, and anyone can apply themselves or nominate someone else. Selected applicants who become members are appointed to NEYAC for a two-year term. Click the link below to learn more about this opportunity and sign up for a webinar in July or August!