Key Takeaways
- Worm Power receives $900,000 in federal funding from the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP).
- The grant will support the expansion of its ten-acre vermicomposting facility in Avon, N.Y., boosting production and global availability of its organic fertilizers.
- Planned upgrades include modernized equipment, new storage buildings, and improved logistics for shipping and loading.
- The expansion could increase Worm Power’s production capacity tenfold, meeting the growing demand for sustainable farming solutions.
Worm Power to Expand Vermicomposting Operations
Worm Power, a global leader in vermicompost products, has been awarded $900,000 through the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP). This grant will accelerate the company’s expansion at its ten-acre facility in Avon, N.Y., enabling increased production and enhanced operational efficiency.
The funding will be used to modernize equipment, construct additional product and storage buildings, and improve site access for on-site loading and shipping. With a total project cost estimated at $1.8 million, Worm Power has committed to matching 40% of the USDA’s grant.
Meeting Global Demand for Sustainable Fertilizers
The expansion aims to address the rising demand for sustainable agricultural solutions, including all-natural, organic fertilizers and biostimulants. Worm Power’s flagship product, vermicompost, is produced using earthworms to create a soil additive that boosts crop yields, enhances nutrient intake, and reduces carbon footprints.
Patrick Burke, Managing CEO of Worm Power, emphasized the significance of the grant in supporting the company’s growth.
“Once we increase our production – potentially tenfold – we’ll be able to meet customer demand and provide a vital pathway to more sustainable farming practices,” Burke said.
Worm Power: Leading the Way in Vermicomposting
The company operates the largest process-controlled vermicomposting facility in North America, relying on tens of millions of red wigglers to produce its signature soil additive. The USDA funding will enable the company to scale operations significantly, positioning it to meet the growing needs of commercial agriculture, turf management, cannabis cultivation, and hobby farming markets.
Burke also highlighted the broader economic impact of the expansion. “We’re working hand-in-hand with a family-owned dairy,” he said. “When our production increases, we’re also improving the economic fortune of that family farm, which plays a critical role in the local economy.”
Looking Ahead for Worm Power
With the USDA grant in place, Worm Power expects to accelerate its production timeline by 18 months. The planned upgrades aim to expand production capacity but also improve logistics and global product availability.
