USDA reorganization means new jobs, research projects and millions of dollars for North Dakota

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — A USDA reorganization plan is good news for North Dakota.

The state will gain 45 additional Agricultural Research Service employees and 10 new research projects totaling nearly $29 million.

The research is being reassigned from Maryland’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.

Sen. John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, says the reorganization includes moving two research projects totaling $3.8 million and 17 ARS employees to Fargo.

Grand Forks will receive 8 new research projects totaling $24.7 million and 28 ARS employees.

“It’s very good for North Dakota. We’ll not only gain about 45 new positions at the Ag Research Service, but also almost $30 million in annual research funding,” said Hoeven.

Earlier this month, Grand Farm near Wheatland was announced as the National Program Manager for USDA’s National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech.