By Scout Nelson
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced that the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) approved funding for six agricultural projects during its quarterly meeting held in Bottineau on May 27-28. The approved awards total $340,524.50 and support a variety of projects designed to strengthen agriculture and rural communities across North Dakota.
APUC operates through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and provides funding for projects that create new and expanded uses for agricultural products produced within the state. The program supports research, product development, marketing, farm diversification, agritourism, technology advancement, and technical assistance efforts that benefit agriculture and local economies.
Several businesses and organizations received grants through different funding categories. Amazing Acres LLC received a nature-based agritourism grant of $38,625 to support the construction of a corn pit attraction. Bowdon Meat Processing was awarded a marketing and utilization grant of $66,000 to purchase a commercial smoker that will help expand processing capabilities.
Lilac Agriculture LLC received a prototype and technology grant of $55,000 to develop a first-generation dry bean inoculant. North Dakota State University received the largest award, a basic and applied research grant totaling $115,025, to support early pilot-scale bioreactors used in the creation of crop inoculants.
Additional funding was awarded to Spruce Hill Meats LLC, which received $15,874.50 for signage and marketing improvements. Verdethos Inc. received a $50,000 prototype and technology grant to strengthen value-added agricultural exports through a digital system that connects farms, processors, and buyers while maintaining product identity throughout the supply chain.
The funding demonstrates North Dakota’s continued commitment to agricultural innovation, business growth, and rural development. These projects support new technologies, improve market opportunities, encourage tourism, and help create additional value for agricultural products produced across the state.
Applications for the next APUC funding cycle must be submitted by July 1, 2026. For additional information, please visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/apuc.
Photo Credit: istock-psisa
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy