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Each community will move from planning to action by launching or substantially advancing at least one locally selected initiative or pilot. (NDSU photo)
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Rural North Dakota communities invited to apply for agricultural and workforce technologies program

Summary
The program aims to help communities strengthen entrepreneurship and create opportunities for producers and businesses to explore agricultural technology.
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Rural North Dakota communities are invited to apply for the AgTech Champion Communities Program, a 12-month opportunity designed to help communities turn local agriculture, workforce and technology opportunities into action.

The program is one of North Dakota State University Extension’s workforce initiatives through the National Science Foundation AgTech Engine in North Dakota. The program will work with selected communities to help build local leadership and partnerships, better understand workforce needs, explore emerging opportunities in agricultural technology and entrepreneurship, engage youth and employers, and advance a locally identified AgTech or workforce initiative.

In addition to strengthening their own communities, participants will help test and document approaches that can be shared with other rural communities and regional partners.

“Every community has different strengths, needs and opportunities,” says Carmel Miller, NDSU Extension’s director of the Agriculture Workforce, Industry and Innovation Center. “This program gives local leaders the resources, connections and support to decide what makes sense for their community and then move an idea into action.”

Each selected community will receive $10,000 in project funding to help begin addressing local priorities and launch or advance an AgTech initiative. Communities will also receive the following:

  • A dedicated community coach to guide the team throughout the 12-month program
  • A customized community workforce data profile
  • Facilitation and support to identify workforce needs and opportunities
  • Leadership, entrepreneurship and AgTech learning opportunities
  • Resources to expand youth career awareness and work-based learning
  • Connections to AgTech innovators, entrepreneurs, technical experts and statewide resources
  • Assistance in identifying additional funding, partners and resources

The program provides educational, facilitation and implementation support at no cost to participating communities.

Applications are open to rural North Dakota communities with populations under 20,000. Applicants should be prepared to actively participate throughout the 12-month program and work collaboratively with an assigned community coach.

Applications must be submitted online by Oct. 23.

More information is available at https://farmsfeedstheworld.com/agtech-champion-communities/.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Oct. 2, 2026

Source: Carmel Miller, 701-426-9460, carmel.miller@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu