Gov. Doug Burgum Wednesday participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grand Farm Innovation Facility near Casselton, highlighting how the new home of Grand Farm will foster innovation in autonomous agriculture technology.
"North Dakota continues to be an innovative leader in ag technology. Today's groundbreaking marks a milestone for Grand Farm's private-public partnership, which will have a significant impact on our region and the acceleration of innovation in autonomous agriculture," Burgum said. "Every major step in proving the Grand Farm concept and commercializing this technology keeps North Dakota on the cutting edge of autonomous agriculture and increases the potential for this technology to improve productivity for farmers and help address our state's workforce challenge through automation. We're grateful for all of the private and public partners who continue to drive this important initiative."
Burgum announced in February that the North Dakota Department of Commerce had selected Grand Farm, which is led by Emerging Prairie, for a $10 million matching grant to advance autonomous agriculture technology in North Dakota. Federal funds for the matching grant were included in Burgum's Accelerate ND plan in September 2021 and approved by the 67th Legislative Assembly during its special session last November.
In addition to Burgum, speakers at Wednesday's groundbreaking included former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, current U.S. Senator and former Gov. John Hoeven, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Gov. Ed Schafer, state Reps. Don Vigesaa and Scott Meyer, entrepreneur Gary Tharaldson and Grand Farm board member Sarah Lovas.
Hoeven highlighted North Dakota's continued growth as a leader in technology and the potential of precision agriculture to support the continued success of the state's farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses. The new facility is being developed on 140 acres west of Casselton and will support research and development projects to advance the next generation of precision agriculture, including autonomous technologies. Grand Farm, led by Emerging Prairie, collaborates with a wide range of private sector partners and public institutions like North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
In August, Hoeven announced the cooperative agreement between Emerging Prairie, NDSU and ARS to enhance the precision agriculture research being undertaken by Grand Farm, supported by $1 million in funding that the senator secured as Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee.
"Grand Farm is a perfect example of the qualities that have empowered North Dakota to grow as a technology leader. We build innovative partnerships that tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our nation and the world, while securing new opportunities for growth and prosperity here at home," said Hoeven. "Through advancements in precision agriculture, our farmers and ranchers will be able to reduce their input costs and improve their yields. Doing so means more certainty, a better competitive edge and an enhanced ability to continue providing the food, fuel and fiber we rely on every day. That's what Grand Farm is all about, and it's why we continue working to advance important initiatives like this across our state."
Categories: North Dakota, General, Government & Policy