NSF ENGINES: North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine
The FARMS Engine is at the cusp of a unique opportunity to maximize the acceleration of economic development in North Dakota. FARMS addresses looming food production challenges in the face of global population increases and food security concerns through a broad adoption of emerging technologies.
FARMS CORE PARTNERS
The corporation will contribute to the economic development aspects of FARMS and is responsible for promoting the project's outcomes for the local economy. The GFMEDC cultivates an environment where businesses can start up, flourish, and thrive and has more than 75 years of serving the region’s economic development needs. The GFMEDC board, staff and more than 115 private and public organizations are dedicated to the regional economy’s biggest driver – primary-sector companies.
The organization will support FARMS in workforce engagement, fostering industry engagement, facilitating networking, and promoting the project's impact on the region. The FMWF Chamber Foundation currently manages the federal Good Jobs Challenge in the region. This program leverages the group's expertise in education and workforce development and is aimed at attracting talent and creating opportunities for many with an inclusive vision to provide equitable agricultural opportunities for New Americans, Tribal citizens, veterans, and others.
Chartered by federally recognized Tribal governments, North Dakota’s Tribal colleges teach and preserve culture and language as a component of the academic curriculum. 1994 Land Grant Tribal colleges are public, affordable, non-profit post-secondary institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same as state post-secondary institutions. Tribal colleges proactively collaborate with the North Dakota University System to enhance students’ academic experience that allows for seamless transfers.
Grand Farm is involved in project management of research, testing, and innovation related to agricultural technologies and practices. Powered by Emerging Prairie, Grand Farm is a collaborative initiative focused on accelerating research, innovation, and technology in the agriculture industry. A collaborative network of growers, technologists, corporations, startups, educators, policy-makers, and investors working together to solve problems in agriculture through AgTech and innovation, Grand Farm works with small businesses, large corporations, startups, and research institutions to pave the way for applied technology to solve problems in agriculture, the organization helps growers achieve efficiency and effectiveness to nourish a hungry world through a robust partnership program.
North Dakota State University plays a central role in research, project management, and overall coordination of FARMS. A Land Grant R1 ranked institution with $175 million in research expenditures in FY 2022 alone, NDSU ranks 99 among 637 public universities by the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD). The university boasts research excellence in the areas of agricultural sciences, physical sciences, cybersecurity, life sciences, and energy and water security.