Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) Grants (APUC)

The Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) creates new wealth through the development of new and expanded uses of North Dakota's agricultural products through a grant program. Eligible applicants are North Dakota companies that add value to North Dakota agriculture.

• North Dakota companies that add value to North Dakota agriculture.

• Eligible applicant types are companies registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State, higher education agencies, groups, and individuals.

• Company applicants must hold a North Dakota Secretary of State corporate registration (in-state) or Certificate of Authority (out-of-state).

• Companies based outside North Dakota must have an established relationship with a North Dakota partner.

• The project must develop or market agriculture-based products or services that add value to North Dakota agriculture.

• Applicants may generally hold only one APUC grant at a time.

• Applicants with uncompleted prior APUC projects, including an outstanding final accountability report, are precluded from new funding unless fully justified.

• Applications must be signed by a fiscal agent as well as the applicant.

Grants are available across six categories: Basic and Applied Research; Marketing and Utilization; Farm Diversification; Technical Assistance; Nature Based Agri-Tourism; and Prototype Development and Technology. Application deadlines for 2026–2027 are October 1, 2026; January 1, 2027; April 1, 2027; July 1, 2027; and October 1, 2027, each followed by a Commission meeting.

Applications are submitted to mboeder@nd.gov or mailed to: North Dakota Department of Agriculture, APUC, 600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 602, Bismarck, ND 58505-0020.

The first 15 qualifying applications each quarter receive invitations to present proposals to the Commission. Applicants are evaluated on a 100-point scale emphasizing job creation, scientific merit, commercialization potential, matching funds, and geographic factors.