Central ND News

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the availability of garden kits for licensed early childcare education centers in North Dakota. These kits are part of the North United States Department of Agriculture Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Award.

"The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking state licensed early childhood education centers interested in bringing this STEM learning opportunity into their classrooms," Goehring stated. "Students will learn about specialty crops and how they grow."

Centers interested in applying can visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/gardenkit for details and application forms. Applications must be submitted electronically by February 28, 2025, with successful applicants notified by March 14, 2025.

The selected centers will receive $400 to purchase plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised garden beds or indoor hydroponic garden equipment. Additional resources and educational opportunities will also be provided.

Applications not funded by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture may be reviewed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services for potential funding.

For inquiries, Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters can be contacted at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.

Teachers have until September 30, 2025, to utilize the kits and educate their students.