North Dakota Senate again passes $30 million incentive for large agricultural developments – Grand Forks Herald

North Dakota Senate Passes $30 Million Incentive Funding Package for Large Agriculture Developments

The North Dakota Senate has once again passed a $30 million incentive funding package for large agriculture developments. The bill, which was originally passed on March 26, was reconsidered to allow for further review by the Appropriations Committee. On April 16, the Senate adopted an emergency amendment to the bill, which would allow it to go into effect immediately if signed into law by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Typically, state laws go into effect in August.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Incentive Package for Agristo Development

The bill aims to provide state incentives for large agricultural development and is expected to be part of the incentive package for the planned Agristo development in Grand Forks. Agristo, a Belgian potato processor, announced its $450 million plan for its first American facility earlier this year. The $30 million grant included in the bill would be paid in two parts. The first half would be given when a certificate of occupancy is issued, and the remaining half would be given when the facility reaches 50% of production capacity. The grant can be used for capital expenditures, infrastructure, and site acquisition.

To fund the grant, the Bank of North Dakota will be able to extend a line of credit to the agriculture commissioner for grant awards from the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund. It is important to note that the appropriation measure will only be valid until the biennium ending in June 2029.

Next Steps and Strong Legislative Support

With the emergency amendment, the bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for consideration. If the House adopts the amendments, it will go directly to Gov. Armstrong for signing. If the House does not adopt the amendments, the bill may go to a conference committee for further consideration.

The bill has received strong support from the Legislature, passing with a 45-5 vote in the Senate and previously passing with a 43-3 vote in March. The House also passed the measure with an 82-8 vote in February. The bill has been well-received in its committee hearings, with support from both legislators and testifiers.

About the Author

Matthew Voigt covers government in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses a $30 million incentive funding package for large agriculture developments. This relates to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The article also mentions the planned Agristo development, which connects to SDG 8 and SDG 9, as it involves economic growth and infrastructure development. Additionally, the involvement of the Bank of North Dakota and the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund highlights the importance of partnerships for achieving the SDGs (SDG 17).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

The article mentions the incentive funding package for large agriculture developments, which aims to support agricultural productivity and potentially increase the incomes of food producers (Target 2.3). The development of the Agristo facility and the associated incentives align with the targets of economic productivity, diversification, and innovation (Target 8.2). The funding package also involves infrastructure development, as it can be used for capital expenditures and site acquisition (Target 9.1). Lastly, the involvement of the Bank of North Dakota and the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund represents a partnership between the public and financial institutions (Target 17.17).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 2.3.1: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.
• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators. However, the achievement of Target 2.3 can be measured by tracking the average income of small-scale food producers (Indicator 2.3.1). Target 8.2 can be assessed through the annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person (Indicator 8.2.1). Indicator 9.1.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 9.1 by determining the proportion of the rural population living within a certain distance from an all-season road. Lastly, Indicator 17.17.1 can be used to monitor the commitment of financial resources to public-private and civil society partnerships (Target 17.17).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: grandforksherald.com