(ND Ag Connection) – North Dakota State University (NDSU) and Grand Farm have been awarded a substantial grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding, reaching up to $160 million over the next decade, is part of the North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine for Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS) project.

The initiative, receiving $15 million in its initial two years, is one of eight nationwide to receive such support.

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation are collaborating to enhance NDSU and Grand Farm’s agricultural research capabilities. Senator John Hoeven, a key figure in funding, believes the project could revolutionize agricultural practices, benefiting food production and various North Dakota industries.

Colleen Fitzgerald from NDSU and Brian Carroll from Grand Farm highlighted the importance of this collaboration in driving forward technological innovations in agriculture. Their focus remains on creating a sustainable future through advanced AgTech solutions.

Senator Hoeven has been instrumental in establishing a cooperative agreement between NDSU, Grand Farm, and the Agricultural Research Service to advance precision agriculture and advocating for the creation of a new agriculture policy research center to increase the state’s influence in national agriculture policy discussions.

This announcement marks a significant milestone in Hoeven’s efforts to bolster agriculture research in North Dakota, with over $50 million in funding secured for various projects, showcasing North Dakota’s growing prominence in the AgTech sector.