By Scout Nelson
North Dakota’s specialty crop sector, including crops like dry beans, lentils, and sunflowers, is set to benefit from new federal grants aimed at supporting smaller crop industries. These grants will address critical production challenges, enhance crop genetics, and fund research and innovation, ensuring a stronger agricultural future for the state.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring highlighted North Dakota’s standing among larger specialty crop producers like California and Michigan. “Most people don’t think of North Dakota as being a specialty crop producer, but when you look at California and Michigan and Florida, North Dakota is right in the mix of them,” said Goehring.
The grants focus on improving crops such as peas, lentils, dry beans, potatoes, and confectionary sunflowers. They will tackle issues like production efficiency, disease resistance, and crop genetics to benefit the broader industry rather than individual operations.
“The funds that are available in this program actually go to help them look at and address issues with production, breeding programs, help improve genetics, look at diseases, how we can address those,” explained Goehring.
The initiative also sheds light on the economic realities of agriculture. According to Goehring, producers earn only a small fraction of the price consumers pay for food products. For example, farmers receive just 11 cents from a box of cereal, with the rest covering processing, packaging, and distribution costs.
Beyond improving crops, these grants aim to secure the food supply and bolster local economies. With agriculture supporting nearly one-third of the workforce, this funding ensures long-term stability and growth.
The final funding amount is yet to be announced but is expected in the coming months, marking a significant step toward strengthening North Dakota’s agricultural landscape.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy