North Dakota is set to expand its role in federal agricultural research under a new USDA reorganization plan. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Chairman John Hoeven says the move will bring 45 additional Agricultural Research Service employees and 10 new research projects worth about $28.5 million annually to the state. Hoeven says the shift reflects ongoing efforts to position research closer to farmers and ranchers. “We’ve been working to ensure USDA recognizes North Dakota’s leadership in ag research and puts these resources where they can best support producers.” Under the plan, Fargo will gain 2 research projects and 17 employees, while Grand Forks will receive 8 projects and 28 employees. Hoeven says the investment strengthens the region’s role in advancing crop and production research. “This is about building on our strengths and making sure producers benefit directly from cutting-edge research happening right here in North Dakota.”
