Farm Waste, Fresh Capital, and a Rethink of Fertilizer

New funding for waste-based fertilizers points to rising demand for locally produced nutrients and steadier supply chains

12 Jan 2026

A fresh round of investment in US fertiliser production is underscoring a growing push towards locally sourced and more resilient nutrient supplies, as farmers face volatile prices and tighter environmental rules.

Nitricity, a US-based fertiliser technology company, has secured $50mn in new funding to expand production using agricultural waste, including byproducts from almond farming. The company converts this material into fertiliser, aiming to cut dependence on imported inputs and fossil fuels while keeping production closer to farms.

The investment comes as fertiliser markets remain unsettled following sharp swings in energy prices and disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. These shocks have exposed vulnerabilities in long-established global supply chains, prompting interest in alternative models that prioritise reliability alongside sustainability.

Nitricity said the funding would allow it to scale up output and supply more growers looking for locally produced nutrient options. By sourcing feedstock from farm waste, the company positions its product as both a recycling solution and a way to reduce exposure to international price swings.

Industry analysts say the deal reflects a broader shift in agriculture, where resilience and efficiency are becoming more prominent considerations alongside yield. Large multinational fertiliser producers continue to dominate global supply, but smaller technology-focused companies are carving out niches, particularly in specialty crops and regions where local production can offer logistical or environmental advantages.

These newer entrants are not seen as substitutes for conventional fertilisers, but as complementary products within a more diversified input market. Their appeal often rests on reducing transport costs, lowering emissions and offering growers greater supply certainty.

At the same time, digital platforms and data tools are making it easier for farmers to compare products and assess performance, potentially easing the adoption of alternative fertilisers. Better access to field data may help growers weigh costs and benefits more carefully as margins remain under pressure.

Challenges persist, including securing consistent waste feedstocks and demonstrating reliable results across different soils and growing seasons. Farmers have traditionally been cautious about switching inputs.

Still, analysts view such obstacles as manageable if companies scale gradually and back claims with field trials. The investment in Nitricity points to a gradual rebalancing in fertiliser supply, as local production and flexibility gain ground in an evolving nutrient market.