Phinite expands circular agriculture infrastructure in Sampson County

This article originally appeared via NCBiotech's blog

Phinite, Inc., a sustainable agtech company, has launched a new regional Sustainability Cluster in Sampson County, N.C., advancing its mission to produce high-performance, regenerative fertilizers through circular economy principles and innovative drying technology. 

By transforming the agricultural byproduct hog manure into odorless, nutrient-rich, granular fertilizer, Phinite enables farmers to improve soil health and crop yield while supporting long-term environmental stewardship. 

The initiative helps address a pressing global challenge: reducing agriculture’s reliance on mined phosphorus, a non-renewable resource essential to crop production.

Phinite’s Sampson County operations are creating a regional hub for advanced hog manure drying technology using advanced robotics. Hog farmers within the county and bordering regions gain an additional revenue stream through providing an agricultural byproduct. 

“Our work is about transforming overlooked resources into valuable tools for farmers,” said Jordan Phasey, CEO of Phinite. “This new cluster allows us to scale sustainable solutions that strengthen rural communities, protect natural ecosystems, and build more resilient food systems.” 

Jen Greenstein, senior director on North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s Focused Initiatives Team, said Phinite’s ability to address both phosphorus depletion and agricultural waste challenges through science-backed, scalable solutions holds significant promise for the future of agriculture. Phinite received a $250,000 Small Business Research Loan from NCBiotech in 2022 to optimize its technology and an additional $250,000 loan in 2025 to scale its fertilizer manufacturing. 

“One of the reasons we provided early funding to Phinite several years ago was because its technology and team creatively addressed two problems- hog manure and depletion of phosphate rock,” Greenstein said. “This new regional cluster advances both goals while creating regional economic value.” 

With support from the NC Department of Commerce and the Sampson County Board of Commissioners, the state reinforces its commitment to both economic development and agricultural innovation.

Phinite’s proprietary drying process results in a product that is easy to transport, store, and apply, making it useful for farmers seeking sustainable solutions. The fertilizer produced is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional organic fertilizers, including odor, uneven application, and environmental impact. 

“As Phinite continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to collaborating with agricultural partners and local communities to foster a more sustainable future for farming,” said Phasey.