Sunshine Organics and Compost LLC, a commercial food waste composting facility in Duval County, Florida, has been awarded a $4.9 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to become a state-of-the-art facility with efficient equipment and a delivery service to serve more farmers.
As a commercial food waste composter in Duval County, this grant will enable Sunshine Organics and Compost to provide innovative composting and biochar products that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and improve soil quality. The expansion of the facility will put Jacksonville on the map in the compost world and revolutionize the agricultural sector, the company says in a news release.
“Our goal has always been to make a positive impact on the agricultural sector, the environment, and the local community,” Sunshine Organics and Compost founder Mike Kelcourses say. “This grant is a testament to the hard workand dedication of our team, and we are excited to take our operations to the next level.”
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Sunshine Organics and Compost says its new delivery service will ensure that farmers in need of compost and biochar will receive timely, efficient delivery of these products, making it easier for them to reduce food waste in landfills and enhance soil health.
The importance of reducing food waste in landfills cannot be overstated, the company says. When food waste is dumped in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to climate change. By diverting food waste from landfills, Sunshine Organics and Compost is helping to mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
The sandy, swampy soil in Florida can be a challenge for farmers. However, by adding compost and biochar, farmers with an assist frm Sunshine Organics and Compost will be able to help improve soil structure, increase water retention and enhance nutrient retention, boosting crop yields and improving the health of Florida’s agricultural sector.
The USDA FPEP grant program aims to expand or bring into operation new, independent domestic production capacity through the use of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives, including biochar and compost. Since 2022, the USDA has committed $900 million to the grant program.
“The rapid increase in the cost of critical inputs like fertilizer is only the latest example of why we must invest in strong, domestic agricultural supply chains,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says. “The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program not only increases fertilizer production and improves competition, but also creates new opportunities for American businesses and is one of the many ways that the Biden-Harris Administration is making long-term investments to strengthen our supply chains.”
The programis particularly interested in supporting projects that are in the later stages of development, technically feasible, financially viable and that have already identified other sources of funding.
The USDA FPEP grant program recognizes the need for sustainable, innovative products that reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and enhance soil health. Sunshine Organics and Compost is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative and looks forward to making a positive impact on the agricultural sector, the environment, and the local community.
