FARGO, ND – January 10, 2025 – The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine (FARMS) and AgLaunch are thrilled to announce a new partnership to expand the proven farmer-centric innovation platform to grow agricultural startups from idea to scale through farmer selection, on-farm trials, data access, investment, and demonstration as startups become co-creators with startup founders. Participating farmers join an equity pool to compensate them for their time that includes over 40 startups and growing. This collaboration formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), represents a significant step forward in advancing AgTech solutions to combat food insecurity while fostering rural and Tribal Nation economic resilience.
FARMS, one of the inaugural NSF Engines, works in partnership with core stakeholders including the North Dakota Tribal College System, Grand Farm, the FMWF Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, and North Dakota State University to deliver innovation addressing food system challenges through cross-sector and cross-cultural collaboration. AgLaunch, powered by a national farmer network, has been instrumental in supporting farmer-led innovation and minority-owned agriculture startups.
Through this partnership, FARMS and AgLaunch will collaborate with Ag Ventures Alliance, a farmer cooperative that invests in AgTech startups to focus on:
Expanding the Farmers Innovation Network to North Dakota, the Upper Midwest, and Tribal Nations a “top of funnel” feeder for new members into AgLaunch Farmers LLC.
Facilitating the AgLaunch365 accelerator approach to identify farm level problem or market opportunities, and select startups, provide data, facilitate farm trials and scale new companies.
Supporting portfolio startups that include farmer ownership in entering new geographic markets across the entire AgLaunch national network.
Grow startups originating from FARMS partners in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest into the commercialization pathway, as well as create novel business models to support new opportunities derived from indigenous knowledge and practices.
Identifying and securing funding sources to sustain innovation opportunities including fund creation and greater synergies across local, state, federal government; philanthropy and the private sector.
Collecting and analyzing data to measure investment outcomes and impact that deliver returns to investors, equitable opportunities for farmers, protect and enhance natural resources, and create wealth for local communities.
“FARMS is excited to partner with AgLaunch to accelerate farmer-driven innovation while strengthening rural and Tribal agricultural economies,” said Dr. Hollie Mackey, CEO of FARMS. “This collaboration enhances our ability to deliver impactful solutions that address food security challenges and create equitable economic opportunities.”
“Our mission is to connect innovation farmers across the US into a network that can change the game of how new innovations come to market and new opportunities are created,” said Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch. “Partnering with FARMS opens up a new region, new innovation origination points, and most importantly the amazing potential of co-creation with tribal communities in the region.”
About FARMS
The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine (FARMS) accelerates AgTech innovation to address food insecurity while fostering economic resilience through partnerships with rural and Tribal communities. Through its Integrated Innovation Framework, FARMS delivers scalable, community-driven solutions tailored to meet diverse regional challenges. Learn more at www.farmsfeedstheworld.com.
About AgLaunch
AgLaunch is an innovation engine built around a national network of forward-thinking farmers advancing agricultural technology through farm trials, knowledge, market access, data and investment. AgLaunch365 is an industry leading commercialization process which provides two-year support from proof of concept through Series A. The program consists of its accelerator, farmer-centered business development approach, and multi-year farm trials across the U.S. AgLaunch Farmers LLC. is a business network of farmers from across the US that support startups from idea to scale. Learn more at www.aglaunch.com.
About the National Science Foundation (NSF)
This partnership is supported by NSF through its commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems addressing critical societal challenges, including food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and equitable economic development across Tribal and rural communities. Learn more at NSF.
For media inquiries or more information, contact Gretchen Dobervich, gretchen@farmsengine.com or 701.361.5627.