North Dakota State University (NDSU) has reached the semifinal round for a groundbreaking grant known as the Northern Plains AgTech Engine for Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS). The project aims to optimize agricultural opportunities and leverage the AgTech ecosystem in North Dakota to tackle global food challenges. By improving farming efficiencies, increasing yields, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing ecosystem services, FARMS seeks to counter the diminishing agricultural workforce.
The FARMS proposal, submitted in early 2023, aims to accelerate agricultural economic development and address food security for a growing global population. It involves partnerships with North Dakota higher education institutions, private sector collaborations, and government collaborations. The project aims to address food security and global population growth.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected FARMS as one of 34 semifinalists out of 188 projects in the competition, covering various technology areas and societal challenges outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act.
The NSF's Engines program aims to foster innovation ecosystems across the United States by advancing critical technologies, addressing national challenges, promoting economic growth, and nurturing regional innovation and talent. It emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, while supporting use-inspired research, technology transfer, and workforce development.
NDSU's partnership with Grand Farm, powered by Emerging Prairie, is an essential aspect of the FARMS project. Grand Farm focuses on accelerating research, innovation, and technology in the agriculture industry. Brian Carroll, Director of Grand Farm, is co-leading stakeholders and partnerships for the project, emphasizing the collaborative effort to solve agricultural problems through applied technology.
Research and development, as well as the transfer of technology from researchers to industry, are fundamental in developing applied technology. NDSU Professor and genomicist Phillip McClean will serve as the Research and Development lead for FARMS, while ND EPSCoR Executive Director Jolynne Tschetter will facilitate the commercialization of research through industry partnerships.
FARMS places significant importance on involving Tribal Colleges and Universities and Tribal communities in North Dakota. NDSU Associate Professor Hollie Mackey and NDSU Director of Tribal Partnerships Sheridan McNeil will co-lead this effort, integrating and reinforcing connections at all levels. The project aims to center Indigenous knowledge to advance food sovereignty and Native nation building.
Ryan Aasheim, Chief Business Development Officer of GFMEDC, co-leads the stakeholders and partnerships with Carroll. Aasheim highlights the project's timely nature, coinciding with the significant investment made in building the AgTech ecosystem in the region.
Photo Credit: istock-Ekkasit919
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