Barr announces $2.4 million federal grant to expand Alltech in Nicholasville

Published 1:43 pm Thursday, July 31, 2025

By Christopher Brown

Contributing Writer

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-06) announced a $2.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the expansion of Alltech’s operations in Nicholasville.

The funding, awarded through the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, will aid in Alltech’s Science Expansion Project. Plans include the construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility expected to produce more than 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizer products each month.

“Alltech is a global leader in agricultural innovation and the largest employer in the city of Nicholasville,” Barr said. “Expanding Alltech’s presence with this grant is a huge win for Jessamine County that wouldn’t have happened without the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins always looking out for our Kentucky agriculture.”

Barr also credited Alltech President and CEO Dr. Mark Lyons and the company’s leadership for collaborating on the multi-year effort to secure the grant.

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell said the project represents a significant boost to both local agribusiness and statewide farming communities.

“This USDA grant will support the growth of Alltech, a leading agribusiness in Jessamine County,” Shell said. “I’m grateful to Congressman Barr for championing this federal funding and to Secretary Rollins for her role in making it happen.”

Local leaders echoed their support for the expansion.

“We are grateful to Congressman Barr for his leadership in obtaining these grant funds for one of Jessamine County’s leading businesses,” said Jessamine County Judge/Executive David West. “Alltech is a wonderful part of our county and we are grateful that Jessamine and Central Kentucky is their home.”

Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter said the project will bring jobs and innovation to the region.

“This investment brings a new facility that will create good jobs, drive innovation, and provide our farmers with the tools they need to thrive,” Carter said. “I’m proud to support a project that strengthens food security and promotes innovation right here in Nicholasville, Kentucky.”

Founded in Nicholasville over five decades ago, Alltech currently employs hundreds of Kentuckians and is a leader in developing technologies in animal nutrition, crop science, brewing and distilling.

“We are proud to expand our presence here in Kentucky, where Alltech was founded and continues to thrive,” Lyons said. “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.”