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The city of Orange will be the new home of the fertilizer plant Tidal Grow. 

The company, based out of Washington recently received a $2.3 million Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grant from the USDA to further expand the production of seafood-based fertilizers made from local waste.    

“This grant enables us to triple supply for growers nationwide and supports domestic production with next generation technologies,” said Tom Robeson, VP of manufacturing at Tidal Grow AgriScience. “Our proprietary carbon-based fertilizers improve nutrient uptake and build soil health with marine-based omega lipids, amino-acid nitrogen, and critical soluble nutrients like phosphorus and calcium.”

Orange was chosen as a strategic location to align with its supply chain for efficient distribution to American farms. The $20 million project will welcome around new jobs to the Orange County area.

The continued growth of domestic fish based fertilizer comes from the government’s desire to reduce the amount of fertilizer that is brought in through trade. Recent labor disputes, including the U.S. port strike in October 2024, have disrupted fertilizer supply chains, affecting nearly 50% of U.S. trade flows. Tidal Grow’s new plant in Orange could help strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imported fertilizers.

The new facility will be located on Tulane Road near Orange city limits.  

Construction for the plant began back in July and does not currently have an estimated completion date.