Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced further growth of the commonwealth’s agricultural manufacturing industry as Alltech will move ahead with an expansion of its operation in Jessamine County, a nearly $4.6 million investment that will create six new jobs. The expansion is partially funded by a $2.34 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.
“Kentucky’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors have been crucial in contributing to our state’s recent economic momentum,” said Gov. Beshear. “We continue to see global companies like Alltech invest and reinvest in the commonwealth and our communities, providing quality jobs for Kentuckians. I want to thank Alltech’s leaders for their years of commitment and investment in Kentucky and congratulate the company on receiving this award from the USDA. I look forward to seeing Alltech’s successful expansion in Nicholasville.”
Located at the company’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, the new facility will be Alltech’s first U.S. manufacturing plant dedicated solely to producing crop science solutions. It will produce biological fertilizers and crop inputs, producing over 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizer products per shift per month and will require the creation of six new manufacturing jobs. Modeled after the company’s crop science production facilities in Brazil and Spain, the new manufacturing plant will produce more than 30 products that help farmers enhance soil and crop vitality and reduce chemical inputs. Made with beneficial microorganisms, Alltech’s biofertilizers improve soil fertility, stimulate root development, enhance nutrient uptake and support a healthier soil microbiome. These biological solutions provide farmers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic inputs while also reducing their vulnerability to global economic pressures and supply chain disruptions. 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. Alltech plans to break ground on the new crop science production plant in October.
“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. “Our deep expertise in microbial fermentation has revolutionized crop nutrition, delivering solutions that improve soil and plant health, activate plants’ natural defense systems, boost productivity and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. 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, and human nutrition and well-being.”
“This USDA grant is a major step forward for farmers seeking more sustainable 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, providing farmers with high-quality biological solutions that improve soil and crops and contributing to a more resilient agricultural system.”
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, sustainable solutions for agriculture. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers and operates more than 75 manufacturing facilities across the globe. With more than 5,000 team members worldwide, the family-owned company is a leader in the agriculture industry, producing specialty ingredients, premixes, supplements, feed for animal nutrition and biological solutions for crops and soil. Alltech’s diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Alltech Crop Science is the agronomic division of Alltech, which leverages expertise in microbial fermentation and nutrigenomic research to produce science-backed biological solutions that foster soil balance, maximize crop yields, improve plant health and resilience, and promote sustainability and value creation across the food chain.
Jessamine County Judge/Executive David West showed support for the project: “We are exceedingly pleased for this expansion, for the opportunity it provides for employment and betterment for Jessamine County. We were honored to support Alltech in this endeavor.”
Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter spoke on the impact the expansion will have on the community: “Alltech Crop Science’s expansion is a win for Kentucky agriculture and for the future of sustainable farming in America. This investment brings a new facility that will create good jobs, drive innovation and provide our farmers with the tools they need to thrive. I’m proud to support a project that strengthens food security and promotes innovation right here in Nicholasville, Kentucky.”