GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Belgium company Agristo announces it will build its first potato processing plant in the United States in Grand Forks.
“After strong growth of our market position in America, particularly in private label, it is time to leave a lasting impression,” the company said on social media.
The deal is contingent upon finalizing the incentive plan for the project and transportation rates with Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The company says the facility will be built on a nearly 350 acre site and employ 250 people and provide a local market for up to 15,000 acres of planted potatoes.
“This is a game-changer for potato growers in North Dakota, who will benefit from a $500 million, 350-acre facility that provides a new, local market for the high-value crops they produce. We made the case to Agristo and BNSF, outlining the benefits to both companies and how Grand Forks is the clear choice for this new facility. We appreciate everyone involved, including Mayor Bochenski, Grand Forks EDC President Keith Lund, the region’s potato industry leaders and BNSF CEO Katie Farmer, for their efforts to make this new project a reality, benefitting the region and our farmers for years to come,” Republican North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said.
