Alltech has been awarded a $2.34 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program to build a new biological fertilizer manufacturing facility in Nicholasville.
The grant will support construction of a 15,000-square-foot plant on Alltech’s global headquarters campus, representing a total investment of nearly $4.6 million. The facility will be Alltech Crop Science’s first U.S. production plant dedicated solely to crop science.
“This USDA grant is a major step forward for farmers seeking natural, science-based solutions,” said Dr. Steve Borst, vice president of Alltech Crop Science. “By expanding our production capabilities here in Kentucky, we are investing in our local economy and providing farmers with high-quality biological solutions.”
The new facility will produce more than 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizers per shift per month and create six new full-time jobs. Modeled after the company’s crop science production facilities in Brazil and Spain, the plant will manufacture more than 30 products designed to enhance soil and crop vitality while reducing chemical inputs.
Congressman Andy Barr, who wrote a letter of support for the grant application, called the expansion “a huge win for Jessamine County.”
“Alltech is a global leader in agricultural innovation and the largest employer in the city of Nicholasville,” Barr said. “I want to commend Dr. Mark Lyons and the Alltech team for working with us in a multi-year process to get this grant.”
The USDA’s $500 million FPEP initiative was launched in 2022 to increase domestic fertilizer production and reduce reliance on imported synthetic fertilizers.
“We are proud to expand our presence here in Kentucky, where Alltech was founded and continues to thrive,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This investment in U.S. production scales the accessibility of our natural solutions, contributing to the long-term health of our soils, crops and ecosystems.”
Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter praised the project for creating jobs and driving innovation “right here in Nicholasville.”
Alltech plans to break ground on the new facility in October.
