New Grants Support Ag Tech Growth in North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota is investing in the future of farming with a new Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program that provides up to 7.5 million dollars to support innovative projects across the state.

Announced by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the program encourages the creation and use of next generation agricultural technology, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Applications opened on September 2, 2025, and proposals must be submitted by October 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. Central time. Approved projects must use the awarded funds by June 30, 2027. The program allows the full 7.5 million dollars to be given to one project or divided among several recipients.

Eligible projects can include the development of autonomous agriculture proving grounds, commercialization of new ag tech products, workforce training programs, and research or deployment of unmanned systems and precision equipment.

Land acquisition has also been added as an approved use of funds to further support autonomous agriculture initiatives.

Applicants must be nonprofits, public private partnerships, or industry groups with a permanent presence in North Dakota.

Proposals will be judged on their ability to accelerate automation in agriculture, strengthen the workforce, drive commercialization, and create economic impact in rural areas.

A selection committee made up of state leaders and industry experts will evaluate proposals using a 100-point scoring system. All proposals must be sent by email to Shayden Akason at sakason@nd.gov.

To assist applicants, a new question and answer section is available to guide participants through the application process and clarify requirements. This added resource aims to make the competitive program accessible to all qualified groups.

North Dakota’s new grant program highlights the state’s commitment to innovation in agriculture, offering strong financial support for projects that will modernize farming and build a skilled workforce for the future.

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