North Dakota grants $3.3M for specialty crops

By Scout Nelson

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the distribution of 21 grants to promote the discovery, production, cultivation, and sales of specialty crops in North Dakota. The fund's total is more than $3.3 million.

The grants are intended to contribute to the diversification of the state's agricultural output by giving vital support for trade missions, education, and research.

“North Dakota is already a leading producer of several specialty crops, such as dry edible beans, dry peas, potatoes, and lentils,” Goehring said. “As our farmers seek to diversify their production, these grants help provide important information through specialty crop research, education, and trade missions.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) approved $3,380,166.13 for these grants. The funds are distributed based on a formula considering specialty crop acreage and production value.

Some of the key projects receiving funding include research on disease management in dry beans, advancements in potato and pea seed quality, and international promotion of North Dakota’s specialty crops.

For instance, North Dakota State University (NDSU) received multiple grants to improve disease resistance in crops like potatoes and chickpeas and enhance the nutritional value of pulse-based foods.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and other organizations will also use these funds to conduct outreach and education programs, promoting the benefits of specialty crops both domestically and internationally.

The application process for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will begin in early December 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the NDDA for more information on how to apply. Applications will be reviewed and forwarded to the USDA for final approval in May 2025.

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