Central ND News

A bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced the Promoting Rural Exports Act, aiming to formally authorize and support the National Rural Export Center located in Fargo. The legislation is sponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

The National Rural Export Center operates from the U.S. Commercial Service office in Fargo and assists rural businesses with research, tools, and analysis to expand their export capabilities. The center’s model is being replicated nationwide.

Senator Hoeven said, “The National Rural Export Center in Fargo has been a critical support for rural businesses, helping them access a broader customer base overseas while improving our nation’s balance of trade. The Fargo-based center developed a successful model that is being replicated across the country. Our legislation would ensure they continue to lead the way in expanding rural export opportunities and establish better coordination across similar efforts at the Department of Commerce.”

Senator Klobuchar stated, “Businesses in rural areas shouldn’t be denied opportunities just because of their location. Our bipartisan Promoting Rural Exports Act will help ensure rural businesses have the resources they need to reach new markets, boost exports, and continue to innovate and grow.”

Senator Cramer commented, “The Rural Export Center in Fargo is a tremendous resource for North Dakota producers and businesses, helping them navigate trade opportunities across the globe. Once again, the excellent work done in North Dakota is being used as the model for other Rural Export Centers across the country. Our bill formally establishes the Fargo Rural Export Center as the national headquarters at the Department of Commerce, overseeing nine other regional Rural Export Centers.”

Senator Smith added, “Rural businesses fulfill a crucial—and often overlooked—role in our economy. The Rural Export Act gives local leaders in the agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors the tools necessary to compete on a global scale. The bill establishes permanent Rural Export Centers that offer recent market research, strategy development, and education opportunities for Americans that don’t live close to major metropolitan areas. It is more important now than ever that we make sure everyday Americans can access convenient, state-of-the-art resources like those provided by Rural Export Centers.”

Perrie Schafer, Chairman of the North Dakota District Export Council said: “The National Rural Export Center is a vital resource, and I know firsthand how important their technical expertise is to our rural businesses as they work to identify and realize opportunities for growth. We appreciate the work of our U.S. Senators in North Dakota and Minnesota to build upon the center’s record of excellence and ensure it continues to serve as a leader in growing U.S. exports.”

If enacted into law, this act would require nine regional centers to report directly to Fargo’s national center under Department of Commerce oversight; provide customized market research services; conduct strategic planning; offer export support services; and publish effectiveness data online.

This legislative move aligns with ongoing efforts by Senator Hoeven through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee where he seeks funding for expanding capabilities at Fargo’s National Rural Export Center via next year’s appropriations bill—a measure recently approved by committee review.