Peace Garden News

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the allocation of Agriculture Diversification and Development (ADD) Fund awards to five projects, totaling $1,084,000. The approval was granted during the ADD quarterly meeting held on May 28 in Minot.

The ADD Fund is managed by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. It aims to support new or expanding value-added agriculture businesses that demonstrate financial feasibility, enhance industry profitability, create jobs, and contribute to North Dakota's economic growth. Eligible projects include agriculture product manufacturing, animal production facilities, commodity processing facilities, and food production and processing facilities. Feed or pet food processing facilities may also qualify.

The approved recipients are as follows:

- GMG Ranch LLP received $200,000 for cattle finishing at a premier livestock facility. Contact Brent and Anissa Gregor at 701-680-1612.

- American Crystal Sugar Company was awarded $300,000 to improve crystallization processes for increased sugar production. Contact Nicholas Elliot at 701-636-3165.

- Qual Dairy Inc. secured $100,000 to establish a semi-automated milking system aimed at improving milk quality and increasing production and cow comfort. Contact Mark Qual at 701-683-4428.

- Pride Dairy Inc. obtained $300,000 for an expansion project to increase ice cream production capacity and storage. Contact Kriss Allard at 701-240-8279.

- Frontier Meats was granted $184,000 to set up a facility for processing livestock and wild game for local ranchers and hunters. Contact Emily Clauson at 701-721-1216.

The next grant application hearing by ADD is scheduled for July 23–24, 2025, in Medora. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2025.

For more information about the program or upcoming meetings, visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/add.