Alltech breaks ground on biofertilizer production facility

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Global agriculture company Alltech broke ground on a new $4.6 million, 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will produce biological fertilizers and crop inputs.

The production facility will provide farmers with environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers and help reduce reliance on imported, synthetic inputs.

Located on the campus of Alltech’s global headquarters, the facility will be the company’s first manufacturing plant dedicated solely to producing crop science technologies in the United States.

Modeled after Alltech Crop Science facilities in Brazil and Spain, the site in Kentucky will produce more than 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizers per shift per month and create at least six new full-time jobs.

It will also manufacture more than 30 natural products designed to help farmers enhance soil and crop vitality.

The project is supported by a $2.34 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.

The $500 million FPEP initiative, launched in 2022 in response to supply chain disruptions and rising fertilizer prices, aims to expand the production, availability and affordability of domestic fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and reduce reliance on imported synthetic fertilizers.

Alltech’s project was selected for its innovative approach to soil and crop health. Made with beneficial microorganisms, the company’s biofertilizers improve soil fertility, stimulate root development, enhance nutrient uptake and support a healthier soil microbiome, enabling farmers to maintain productivity while reducing environmental impact.

“This facility represents the next phase in scaling our biological innovations for agriculture,” said ACS Vice President Steve Borst, who leads the project.

“By expanding production here in Kentucky, we can bring farmers natural, science-based solutions that improve soil health, strengthen crops and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. We’re grateful to the USDA and to our state and local partners for their support in making this vision a reality.”

In addition to supporting U.S. farmers in reducing dependence on imported synthetic fertilizers, the new crop science facility will enable ACS to expand the reach of its natural agronomic technologies across both the U.S. and international markets.

Leveraging Alltech’s more than four decades of expertise in microbial fermentation and nutrigenomics, ACS delivers environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional chemical applications.

These biological solutions restore soil balance, strengthen soil health, maximize crop yields, improve plant resilience, promote stewardship and create long-term value across the food chain.

Nationally, this project’s impact enables the export of domestic technologies, driving international uptake of U.S. products and supply chain resiliency for U.S. growers.

In addition, Alltech’s new facility will be instrumental in growing the offering of its in-market sustainable technologies domestically and internationally.

The project aligns with Alltech’s purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty,” which unites the agri-food community in creating science-based solutions that provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.

“Fermentation has always been at the heart of our business, and this facility allows us to apply that expertise in new ways to support crop health, productivity and sustainability,” said Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

“We’re proud to strengthen our presence at our global headquarters in Kentucky, creating an innovation and manufacturing center that will serve U.S. farmers, strengthen our local community and continue to advance the science of agriculture.”

The groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 14 featured remarks from Rocky Adkins, senior adviser to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; David West, Jessamine County judge-executive; and Alex Carter, mayor of Nicholasville.

Alltech’s FPEP grant application was endorsed by Beshear, Carter and West, along with U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr.

“Alltech has been a leader in the agriculture industry for nearly half a century and has provided Kentuckians with good, quality manufacturing jobs over the years,” Adkins said.

“This project shows that companies are continuing to choose Kentucky as their home and as a prime place to do business. I want to congratulate Alltech on their new expansion and we look forward to seeing their success continue.”

“Alltech continues to set the standard for innovation in Kentucky’s agricultural economy,” said Barr, who supported Alltech with a letter of support for the company’s USDA grant application.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Mark Lyons and the Alltech team for their persistence and dedication to expanding right here in Jessamine County. This grant will help expand production capacity, strengthen supply chains and create more opportunities for Kentuckians.”

The event was also attended by leaders of more than 70 global agri-food companies who traveled to Kentucky for Alltech Presidents Club, an annual gathering that convenes industry leaders for peer-to-peer learning, thought-provoking discussion and collaboration on some of the most pressing issues facing agriculture and the agri-food industry.