North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Announces Specialty Crop Grants for 2026
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Grants in North Dakota. These grants are designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops within the state. Eligible projects include those focused on pest and disease control, the development of new seed varieties, specialty crop research, and initiatives to increase nutrition knowledge and consumption of these crops. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) will distribute the funds through a competitive grant process, although the exact allocation from the USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service is yet to be determined. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. In North Dakota, this encompasses crops such as dry beans, dry peas, lentils, potatoes, and various vegetables.