Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA)

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.

Matthew Boeder

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.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Certification

Trials

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Marketing

Recreation

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.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture County Fair Resiliency Grant page.

The County Fair Resiliency Grant, administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, can be used by county agriculture fair associations for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects.



Grants may be awarded only to County Agriculture Fair Associations, or an association that runs/manages a county fair in North Dakota.

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Infrastructure

Grant award amounts are limited to $100,000, for planning, design, and construction of county-fair infrastructure projects.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Farm to School Garden Kits page.

Jenna Nieters

Local Foods Marketing Specialist

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture provides Farm to School Garden Kits to help early childhood education centers start gardens, giving children hands-on experience with growing food.



Eligibility is limited to licensed North Dakota early childhood education centers.

Education

Stewardship

Inputs

Successful applicants receive $400 to purchase plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised garden beds, or indoor hydroponic garden equipment.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Farm to School Hydroponic Garden Grant page.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture received federal funding through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program to provide hydroponic gardens to a limited number of schools interested in incorporating them into their curriculum as a STEM learning opportunity.



Eligibility is limited to North Dakota schools interested in incorporating a hydroponic garden into their curriculum (provided as STEM learning); a limited number of schools are selected.

Selected schools receive a hydroponic garden (in-kind), federally funded through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program.

Applicant must complete the ADD application form (PDF) and submit a complete business plan, current balance sheet and income statement along with full sources and use of funds. The completed application must include original signatures of the applicant, project advisor if applicable, and lender.
To email the application and supporting documents: Send to bndinfrastructure@nd.gov.
To postal mail the application and supporting documents: Send to
Bank of North Dakota
Agriculture Diversification and Development Committee
1200 Memorial Highway
Bismarck, ND 58504

The Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD) was established through [HB No. 1475](https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t04-1c01-1.html) during the sixty-seventh Legislative Assembly to support new or expanding value-added-agriculture businesses that demonstrate financial feasibility, enhance profitability for farmers and ranchers, create jobs and grow North Dakota’s economy. The funding opportunities include grants, interest rate buydowns and loans.



The Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD) was established through HB No. 1475 during the sixty-seventh Legislative Assembly to support new or expanding value-added-agriculture businesses that demonstrate financial feasibility, enhance profitability for farmers and ranchers, create jobs and grow North Dakota’s economy. The funding opportunities include grants, interest rate buydowns and loans.

Value-added agriculture business registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office or North Dakota resident that diversifies a crop or animal industry and provides collateral uses for agriculture resources. Businesses with a majority ownership comprised of North Dakota residents will have priority over majority non-North Dakota-owned applications. Companies outside North Dakota must have an established relationship with a North Dakota partner which includes individual, company or agency to validate the credibility of the proposal and comply with the intent of the Code. The types of projects may include but are not limited to:
- Food production and processing facilities
- Feed or pet food processing facilities
- Commodity processing facilities
- Agriculture product manufacturer
- Animal production facilities


A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Funding Amounts
Grants: Grants are limited to $500,000; the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund Committee reserves the right to increase or decrease requested funding based on its findings. Grants are administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA). Application deadlines for 2026–2027 are October 1, 2026; January 1, 2027; April 1, 2027; and July 1, 2027.
Interest buydown: Administered by the Bank of North Dakota. The program limits the borrowing rate to 5.00% below the yield rate, but in no event may the interest rate be more than five hundred basis points below the national prime interest rate (if the prime rate is published as a range, the highest rate is used). In no case will the ADD Fund buy down an interest rate below 1.00%. Lifetime maximum buydown is $1 million per borrower.
Loan: Amount determined by the ADD Committee.

1. Farmer must be working with an accredited certifying agency prior to applying.
2. Must have had one on farm inspection from the certifier prior to applying.
3. Fill out the form here.
4. Mail all appropriate documentation to the NDDA.

The North Dakota organic education and transition cost share program is designed to help farmers and ranchers who are transitioning to an organic production system.


**If you are already a USDA certified organic producer, you do not qualify for this program. The USDA Organic Cost Share Program helps farmers and ranchers who are&#x2004;already certified organic. For information on that program visit the [Organic Certification Cost Share Program page](https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/business-marketing-information/organics/organic-certification-cost-share-program).**


The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years. Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.



The North Dakota organic education and transition cost share program is designed to help farmers and ranchers who are transitioning to an organic production system.

If you are already a USDA certified organic producer, you do not qualify for this program. The USDA Organic Cost Share Program helps farmers and ranchers who are already certified organic. For information on that program visit the Organic Certification Cost Share Program page.

The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years. Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.

Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Succession

Local Food

Farmers Market

Legal & Finance

Conservation

Research

Compliance

The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years.

To apply, first gather the required documentation. You will need to scan and upload each of the below during the application: 
- Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (You may also register as a Vendor for expedited processing)
- Seed receipts and soil test results.

Once the required forms and documentation are ready for upload, you will be ready to start the online Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Application by clicking the link below. Please only start the application process when your Vendor Registration is complete and required forms and supporting documentation are ready for upload. You cannot come back later to complete an incomplete application. If you have to quit and come back later, you will need to start a new application.

Apply Here

Jason Wirtz

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture's Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Program provides grantees with a direct payment per acre of cover crop planted. As a conservation program, the program’s primary goal is to protect and enhance soil health statewide. In particular, the program is targeting cropland areas impacted with alkaline soils. NDDA provides cost share to producers on a first-come-first-serve basis. Successful applicants may receive a $25/acre. There will be a 160 acre cap per producer.



Program Participation Requirements
1. Conduct field soil test prior to planting cover crop (results must be submitted with application).
2. Select cover crop to be grown.
3. Plant cover crop (prior to September 15th deadline).
4. Apply online at NDDA’s Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Program webpage (December 1 deadline).
    - Complete application
    - Copy of soil test
    - Copy of seed bill/receipt
1. Applications will be selected by lottery; successful applicants will be notified via email.
2. Successful applicants must register as a vendor with the state of North Dakota and notify program contact by email when completed.
3. Once all previous steps completed, payment for cost share will be processed after the application deadline each year. Payments may take up to 60 days for processing.

Eligible Cover Crop/Planting/Mixes
- Soil Conservation/NRCS county specific suggested plantings are eligible for this program
- Other eligible cover crop plantings include:
    - Turnips
    - Radishes
    - Cow peas
    - Field peas
    - Dry peas
    - Hairy vetch
    - Sunflowers
    - Millet
    - Sorghum
    - Grazing corn
    - Red clover
- If cover crop will be planted before May 20, eligible grasses include:
    - Barley
    - Oats
    - Rye
    - Triticale
- Perennial Grasses and Legumes to address saline areas
    - Alfalfa
    - Western Wheatgrass
    - Intermediate Wheatgrass
    - AC Saltlander

- Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crop Selection Tool
- NDSU - Incorporating Cover Crops
- NDSU Cover Crops Overview

Reduced Tillage

Air Quality

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Regenerative

Water Management

Carbon Capture

Guidelines
- Application for the program does not guarantee cost share reimbursement.
- Cost share payment of $25 an acre.
- 160-acre cap per applicant per year.
- Applicants should use Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crops Decision Tool to assist in the determination of their cover crop.
- Applicants in need of further technical assistance for cover crop planting or planning should consult with NRCS, their county Soil Conservation District or the Watershed Program Coordinator in their county.

Minimum Qualifications
- Cover crop must be planted by August 31.
- Complete online application by October 1.
- Minimum seeding rates must be followed (please see eligible seed mixes in guidelines and minimum seeding rates in the Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crops Decision Tool). Soil Conservation/NRCS county specific suggested plantings are also eligible for this program.
- No fall tillage allowed if planting is done after harvest of cash crop.
- Grazing and haying is allowed on cover crops after July 5th.
- Must register as a vendor with the state of North Dakota to receive payment.
- Must test soil before crop is planted.
- Must provide previous crop planted/cropping rotation before cover crop.
- Must identify cover crop/mix planted.
- Must provide copy of seed bill in application.

Applications are now open for 2026 trade shows. Contact Shanna Johnson, International & Domestic Marketing Coordinator (701-390-7515, shljohnson@nd.gov).

Shanna Johnson

The Trade Show Participation Grant helps North Dakota agriculture companies explore domestic wholesale markets by supporting exhibition at new trade shows outside the state. It benefits both companies new to trade show participation and established firms entering shows for the first time.



- Companies based in North Dakota.
- Applicants must be value-added agriculture companies.
- The trade show must be a domestic show held outside North Dakota.
- The company must not have exhibited at that trade show before; both first-time and established exhibitors qualify.

Eligible expenses include booth/space rental; booth equipment, furniture and carpeting rental; booth utility costs; promotional materials (product flyers, booth signage specific to the show); shipping, storage, drayage and show labor; and travel expenses (airfare or mileage, hotel). Application deadlines vary by show (for example, the Bar & Restaurant Show in Las Vegas, March 24–25, 2026 has an application deadline of December 26, 2025).

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Regional Livestock Development and Planning Grant Program page.

Shaun Quissell

Grain & Livestock Division Director

The Regional Livestock Development and Planning Grant Program, administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, provides grants to counties and regional planning councils to support regional livestock development and planning efforts in North Dakota.



Eligible applicants are counties and regional planning councils.

Grants are awarded up to $12,000 for every county and up to $500 for every township.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Community Orchard Grants page.

The Specialty Crop Community Orchard Grants, administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, support the creation of permanent community orchards in underserved areas to increase community access to and consumer education of specialty crops.



Community development groups, economic councils, schools, nonprofits, and 4-H and FFA chapters are encouraged to apply.

Forest Management

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Organizations can request $40,000 or more. Funds can be used to purchase plants, trees, planting supplies, soil amendments, and irrigation and fencing supplies.

Application and guideline documents are available on the NDDA website. Grant inquiries go to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

The Value Added Agriculture Production Facility Incentive Program provides grant funding to support value-added agriculture production facilities that introduce new or enhanced agricultural products, diversify agricultural markets, and create substantial economic impact in North Dakota. It is a specific application track under the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD), administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.



Value-added agriculture businesses registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State's office that meet all requirements in Section B of the application. Priority consideration is given to projects most consistent with the mission of the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund Committee, as established in North Dakota Century Code 4.1-01.1.

Grant funding under the ADD Fund (grants limited to $500,000; the Committee reserves the right to increase or decrease requested funding). Application deadlines follow the ADD Fund quarterly schedule: October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1.

Application and guideline documents are available on the NDDA website. Contact Daniel Ratajczak, Ag Development Specialist, at 701-955-0578 or dratajczak@nd.gov (600 East Boulevard Ave. Dept. 602, Bismarck, ND 58505).

Daniel Ratajczak

The Value Added Milk Processing Facility Incentive Program provides grant funding to support the development and expansion of value-added milk processing infrastructure in North Dakota to enhance dairy production and economic growth. It is a specific application track under the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund (ADD), administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.



Value-added agriculture businesses registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State that satisfy all requirements outlined in Section B of the application. Projects aligned with the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund Committee's mission receive priority consideration.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program page.

The Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program awards grants to a county, township, or city with a population of 1,500 residents or less for roadway and bridge improvements, and to political subdivisions or entities for utility improvements necessary to accommodate value-added agriculture businesses.



Eligible applicants are a county, township, or city with a population of 1,500 residents or less (for road and bridge improvements), and political subdivisions or entities (for utility improvements) necessary to accommodate value-added agriculture businesses.

Grants support roadway, bridge, and utility improvements that accommodate value-added agriculture businesses in eligible small communities.

Contact Matthew Boeder, Ag Business Development Specialist (701-595-9120, mboeder@nd.gov; department phone 701-328-2308).

The Grape and Wine Research, Promotion and Marketing Grant supports research and promotion in support of the grape and wine industry in North Dakota, through the Grape and Wine Advisory Committee.



The program supports North Dakota grape producers, fruit producers (other than grapes used in vinification), and winery owners located in North Dakota. The Grape and Wine Advisory Committee — grape producers, fruit producers, ND winery owners, and ND Grape and Wine Association representatives — advises the program.

$80,000 in grant funding is available for the 2025–2027 biennium. The most recent application deadline was June 29, 2025, at 4 pm CDT.

Deanna Gierszewski

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope. Costs paid&#x2004;within the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 are eligible.

NDDA has entered into an agreement with International Certification Services (ICS) and OCIA Chapter 1 to accept applications for reimbursement. Organic operations who are currently working through these two agencies should contact their agency directly. All other producers should contact Deanna Gierszewski at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-2191 or [degierszewski@nd.gov](mailto:mailto:degierszewski@nd.gov?subject=Organic%20Certification%20Cost%20Share%20Program). All funds are reimbursed on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 30, 2023.



The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope. Costs paid within the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 are eligible.
NDDA has entered into an agreement with International Certification Services (ICS) and OCIA Chapter 1 to accept applications for reimbursement. Organic operations who are currently working through these two agencies should contact their agency directly. All other producers should contact Deanna Gierszewski at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-2191 or degierszewski@nd.gov. All funds are reimbursed on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 30, 2023.

Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope.

Organic farming

- Fact Sheet
- North Dakota Application
- Organic Certification Cost Share Program 2023

1. Evidence that the operation holds a valid organic certification to the USDA Organic Regulations issued by a USDA-accredited certifying agent (letter from the agency or certificate)
2. An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs PAID within the qualification period.

Applications are now closed. Contact Waldemar Garcia, Ag Marketing & Development Specialist (701-328-2191, scbg@nd.gov).

Waldemar Garcia

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) provides funding to support development of middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure for North Dakota food and farm businesses. Eligible uses include aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products.



Supports North Dakota-based food and farm businesses working with specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products (excludes meat and poultry).

Food Systems

Two grant types were offered: Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ($10,000–$100,000, equipment only) and Infrastructure Grants (minimum $100,000, covering equipment, installation, supplies, and construction). Infrastructure grants require matching funds. Approximately $4.69 million was available in competitive subaward grants (USDA AMS pass-through).

Applications are submitted electronically via the NDDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program page.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), conducting an annual competitive solicitation to award SCBGP funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of North Dakota specialty crops — fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).



State and/or local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a specific commercial product or provide profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

The application for the 2026 SCBGP (covering October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2029) opened in early December 2025 and closed in January 2026.

Contact Lukas Wagner (701-328-1508, ljwagner@nd.gov) for enrollment details.

Lukas Wagner

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and North Dakota Game & Fish jointly administer the State Waterbank Program, a water management initiative that aims to conserve surface waters and enhance wildlife habitat while providing the mutual benefits of landowner compensation and wetland conservation.



Landowners statewide may participate. Enrolled parcels must range from 10 to 160 acres of eligible wetlands, with adjacent land acreage equaling but not exceeding four times the wetland size (within one-quarter mile).

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Annual payment rates: wetland acres $20/acre; non-tillable/pastureland upland $20/acre; seeded cropland (grass/pollinator mix) $40/acre; public access acres $2/acre. Additional cost-share is available: up to $13/acre for grass seed or $40/acre for pollinator mix. Agreements span 5 or 10 years. Draining, burning, or altering land character is prohibited except in emergencies or under approved management plans; prescribed haying/grazing (July 5–September 1) requires Agriculture Commissioner approval. Up to $750,000 is available through the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund.

List of North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) Funding Opportunities