(ND Ag Connection) – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced 11 grant awards totaling $773,757.30 through the state’s Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) program. The grants aim to accelerate research and development of new and expanded uses for North Dakota’s agricultural products.

The awarded projects include:

• Aigen Inc.: Development of solar-powered robots for data collection and weed control ($50,000)

• Carbon Convert LLC: Technology for converting carbon dioxide into commercially viable elements ($100,000)

• Chapul Farms LLC: Development of an industrial insect farm facility ($32,500)

• EcoBalance Global, LLC: Adoption of environmentally sound practices and monetization of benefits for agriculture producers ($162,000)

• Greenwood Renewable Ventures LLC: Product design for simultaneous production of multiple forms of low-carbon renewable bioenergy ($60,000)

• NDSU Department of Plant Sciences: Research on soybean meal for development of food-grade 3D printer ink ($7,100)

• NDSU Department of Plant Sciences: Exploration of local apple germplasm for commercial hard cider production in North Dakota ($15,000)

• Perennial Climate, Inc.: Expansion of soil organic carbon research and feedback to agricultural producers ($100,000)

• PermanentFarming, Inc.: Support for a large-scale beef finishing facility with manure conversion into renewable natural gas ($172,000)

• Wolf Creek Winery LLC: Development of a strategic marketing plan ($35,000)

• Zalvina Foods: Food production expansion ($40,157.30)

These grants demonstrate the APUC’s commitment to supporting innovative projects that contribute to the growth and sustainability of North Dakota’s agriculture industry. The next grant application hearing will be held on February 28-29, 2024, in Bismarck. Applications for this meeting are due by January 1, 2024.

This announcement highlights the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s active role in fostering agricultural innovation and supporting the state’s rural communities. By investing in research and development, the APUC program helps create new opportunities for farmers and agricultural businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of the state.