Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has announced that North Dakota State University (NDSU) and Grand Farm have been selected as recipients of up to $160 million over the course of 10 years in a National Science Foundation (NSF) competition for advanced agricultural technology research and development.

Hoeven, as the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, played a key role in securing the approval for the application. He advocated for the project to the NSF Director, emphasizing the potential impact on the future of agricultural production.

In a statement, Senator Hoeven expressed his excitement about the funding and its potential benefits. He said, "This award of up to $160 million over 10 years is a major investment in NDSU and Grand Farm's efforts to transform the future of ag production. By securing this funding for the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine, in addition to supporting their continued partnership with ARS, we are empowering this collaboration to give farmers and ranchers tools that will strengthen their operations, reduce costs, and improve yields."

Hoeven also highlighted the broader impact of this investment. He stated, "That's good not only for the production of food, fuel, and fiber, but it will spur growth for a variety of industries, including our state's dynamic tech sector and manufacturers. That means North Dakota and our nation will continue to have a competitive edge in the global marketplace, while ensuring a high-quality and low-cost food supply for American consumers."

Colleen Fitzgerald, Vice President for Research and Creative Activity at North Dakota State University, expressed her gratitude for Senator Hoeven's support. She said, "On behalf of the FARMS core partners, I want to thank Senator Hoeven for all his support of this inaugural NSF Engine award supporting North Dakota's innovations in technologies for advanced agriculture. Those technologies draw from NDSU ag researchers, who bring unparalleled expertise in the diversity of the 42 crops produced in North Dakota. Senator Hoeven's deep understanding has made him an effective advocate because he sees how investments like this continue to transform the future of agriculture research for the nation while catalyzing economic development in North Dakota."

Brian Carroll, Chief Innovation Officer at Emerging Prairie and Co-Founder of Grand Farm, stressed the importance of collaboration in driving transformative impact in agriculture technology. He said, "Collaboration is essential to drive transformative impact in agriculture technology. With our fellow NSF Engine partners, we are building an ecosystem accelerating innovation at the speed of trust. This support not only energizes our work but also moves us closer to a future of sustainable and pioneering advancements in AgTech."

Today's announcement is a testament to Hoeven's ongoing efforts to strengthen agriculture research in North Dakota. As the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, he has consistently worked towards bolstering research initiatives at NDSU and in the state.

With this funding, NDSU and Grand Farm are well-positioned to continue their groundbreaking work in advanced agricultural technology. Their partnership and collaboration will not only benefit farmers and ranchers but also contribute to the growth of industries in North Dakota, including the dynamic tech sector and manufacturers. This investment will ensure that North Dakota remains competitive in the global marketplace while providing a reliable and affordable food supply for American consumers.