NSF Engine Spotlight: North Dakota AgTech Engine

FARMS seeks to transform how the U.S. produces food for global markets, addressing food insecurity by leveraging cutting-edge technology, collaboration, and cross-cultural engagement. The Engine serves the entire state of North Dakota, as well as tribal nations that fall within the geography of North Dakota, focusing on fostering innovation while improving equitable economic growth and addressing agricultural challenges.

With core partners—including the North Dakota Tribal College System, Grand Farm, North Dakota State University, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, and Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce—the FARMS Engine collaborates with key stakeholders across agriculture, education, and government. The project is designed to inspire, empower, and engage communities, bringing together a diverse range of voices to create meaningful change. FARMS strategic priorities aim to cultivate new leaders, enhance workforce development, promote economic growth, and foster cross-cultural relationships within the agricultural sector: 

• Innovation and Technology Translation: FARMS aims to build an interdisciplinary, systems-based approach to AgTech use-inspired research and development (R&D). By combining advanced genomics, climate modeling, and advanced sensors, the Engine addresses food insecurity and agricultural stressors at the local level, providing solutions for rural and tribal communities.
• Workforce Development: The FARMS Engine is building an "AgTech Knowledge Network" to support education and workforce development across the state. Collaborating with partners like United Tribes Technical College and Bismarck State College, the Engine prepares the next generation of AgTech leaders through mentorship, collaboration, and training programs, with a focus on underrepresented populations.
• Inclusive Engagement: FARMS is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, engaging diverse communities, including Indigenous and small-farm stakeholders, to address food security challenges and support entrepreneurial activities.
• Accelerating AgTech Innovation: The Engine’s inclusive approach emphasizes trust and diverse perspectives to promote AgTech innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of agricultural resources. FARMS actively encourages cross-sector collaboration to solve real-world challenges in agriculture.
• Catalyzing Collaborative Partnerships: By bringing together a network of researchers, farmers, and industry leaders—including AgLaunch—FARMS is establishing a platform that drives agricultural innovation and investment. These partnerships help FARMS build an innovation framework, generating intellectual property, startups, and commercial activities to bolster the AgTech sector.

FARMS addresses the global challenge of food security, focusing on climate-resilient crops like peas, barley, and edible beans. By leveraging North Dakota’s agricultural strengths, the Engine is helping to ensure sustainable food production for future generations. Its interdisciplinary approach, combined with strong public and private partnerships, makes FARMS a leader in the next frontier of agricultural innovation.

Under the leadership of CEO Hollie Mackey, FARMS is positioning North Dakota as a global hub for AgTech, driving advances that will help feed the world and build a resilient agricultural economy. Learn more about FARMS on their website: farmsfeedstheworld.com