Fertilizer Financing Guidance A Mandatory Reference for Chapter 312

The guidance supplements the policy and procedures of ADS 312 regarding the procurement of fertilizer. Eligible fertilizers for USAID financing include mineral or chemical fertilizers containing one or more of the following nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients. Eligible products also include lime and other mineral or chemical fertilizers, as well as animal or plant-based fertilizers or soil amendments, subject to special requirements. Missions and Bureaus must exercise careful judgment when authorizing the financing or procurement of fertilizer and other soil amendments, particularly with regard to quality and safety considerations, including explosives risk. Certain Missions have adopted Mission Orders restricting funding for ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate for certain uses, including agricultural uses. Proposed financings of these substances must adhere to any applicable Mission Orders. The involvement of an assigned agriculture officer is required in deliberations regarding the financing of fertilizer. Missions or Bureaus may seek technical input from the Bureau for Food Security (BFS) regarding a proposed financing by sending requests to BFS at [email protected]. BFS may approve a waiver for the purchase of fertilizer products not listed as eligible in this document, subject to specific requirements and justification. Any fertilizer procurement proposed for approval must be specifically addressed in the environmental analysis of the activity under 22 CFR 216 and ADS 204. Animal or plant-based fertilizers or soil amendments are eligible for USAID financing if they meet specific requirements, including not being intended for use more than 40km from their point of origin and having a reasonable level of phytosanitary safety.