Agweek

National Science Foundation provides $45 million more for ag innovation effort

FARGO, N.D. — The U.S. National Science Foundation has provided $45 million more to fund three years toward a North Dakota-based ag innovation effort. The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota was one of 10 "regional innovation engines" created by $15 million National Science Foundation grants, paid over two years, in January 2024. The additional $45 million pledged on Monday, March 23, is a continuation of a cooperative agreement. “This confirmation by the NSF directly reflects the work and successes our team has had over the past two years in advancing AgTech innovation and building a workforce,” said Hollie Mackey, CEO and Principal Investigator of the NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota. “It validates the commitment of North Dakota State University and the ecosystem partners to generating innovative solutions that meet the current and future demands of growers and producers to drive rural economic development.” The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota describes itself as "a collaborative initiative focused on innovation at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and community. Its mission is to address food security challenges while strengthening rural economies through practical, scalable solutions that connect research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement." Some of the Engine's projects so far have included Project Whitewater, which uses artificial intelligence and satellite technology to generate daily soil moisture maps for precision irrigation, and Bison Guard, a community-based initiative located at WOZU on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, that applies AI to bison herd management and health. The Engine also has supported university-led research at North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Nebraska, Montana State University and the North Dakota Tribal College System. Industry and ecosystem partners include Aperture, a Boston-based earth observation company collaborating on precision irrigation technology; NDeavor in Fargo, which supports the commercialization of research; and AgLaunch, a Tennessee-based farmer consortium that enables producers to earn equity in startups through services such as farm trials and data sharing. “The AgTech Engine is comprised of more than 20 ecosystem partners and growing,” Heidi Grunwald, NDSU interim vice president for research and creative activity, said. “Each partner is committed to advancing AgTech innovation and workforce development. Cross-sector collaboration accelerates the development of impactful solutions.” The Engine provides money to accelerate economic development and has helped make over $73 million in private capital and research and development investments to advance use-inspired technology for improved food production in the region and beyond. The Engine also has worked in workforce development, including in areas not traditionally associated with agriculture. The effort has worked with the North Dakota Tribal College System to help create career pathways in ag tech. Additionally, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and NDSU Extension collaborate to develop K–12 AgTech curriculum, equip educators with training and tools, and support upskilling opportunities for the current workforce. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Rep. Julie Fedorchak, along with Gov. Kelly Armstrong, cheered the news. “Our farmers and ranchers provide the highest-quality, lowest-cost food supply in the world. By bringing new innovations to market, we can help them reduce their input costs, increase their yields and retain their competitive edge in the global economy. That’s what the AgTech Engine is all about,” Hoeven said.