A group of nearly 50 potato growers and industry representatives from North Dakota and Minnesota made the trip to Belgium to tour facilities operated by Agristo. The European frozen potato processor is building its first North American plant in Grand Forks and is expected to begin production in January 2028. Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields says the delegation includes commercial growers along with industry partners and equipment manufacturers. The visit highlighted the major differences between European and Upper Midwest agriculture. “Very interesting over here, very small farm operations,” Shields said. “When you look at the equipment that we use and the acres that we have, they have farmers that have 250, 300 acres. A large operation here may be 1,500 acres.” Shields says the experience has been valuable as growers prepare for new opportunities tied to the Grand Forks plant. “Our region is going to be growing, and we’re going to be adding some good value-added acres to North Dakota and Minnesota, so we’re very excited.”
