Policies and Procedures

Authority and Purpose

The Agricultural Research Fund was established to support agricultural research that advances North Dakota's agricultural economy and addresses industry needs. Funding is administered through the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) and is awarded to research projects that provide value to agricultural producers and stakeholders.

Funding Source

The Agricultural Research Fund receives funding through state-authorized agricultural research allocations dedicated to supporting priority research needs in North Dakota.

Annual Allocation of Funds

Research funding is allocated among three funding categories:

• Commodity Research: 70%
• Animal Agriculture Research: 18%
• New and Emerging Crop Research: 12%

Applicants should select the funding category that most closely aligns with the objectives of their proposed project.

See Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) – Established by Statute for more details.

Funding Priorities

Projects funded through the Agricultural Research Fund should:

• Provide a positive economic impact for producers of crops and livestock in North Dakota
• Improve the quantity and/or quality of agricultural commodities.
• Promote efficiencies in, or sustainability of agricultural productivity.
• Address identified industry challenges or emerging opportunities.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and potential impact.
• Include a framework for timely progress toward stated objectives.

Projects should emphasize practical applications and outcomes that can be communicated and utilized by North Dakota agricultural stakeholders.

See Intent of the ARF for detailed information.

Grant Review Committees

Agricultural Research Fund proposals are reviewed by Grant Review Committees (GRC) appointed annually by SBARE.

Key features of the review process include:

• Committee membership is approved annually by SBARE.
• Agricultural producers represent a majority of committee members.
• Separate review committees evaluate proposals in the following categories:
  • Major Crop Research
  • Animal Agriculture Research
  • New and Emerging Crop Research

See Grant Review Committee Membership for a current list.

See Appointment of ARF Grant Review Committees for detailed information.

Annual Funding Cycle

The Agricultural Research Fund follows an annual review and funding cycle.

Reporting Requirements

Recipients of Agricultural Research Fund awards are responsible for providing timely reports documenting project progress and outcomes

Multi-Year Projects

Projects extending beyond one year must submit:

• An annual progress report describing accomplishments and progress toward project objectives.
• An updated budget, if applicable.
• Documentation of any proposed modifications to the project scop, objectives, timeline, or personnel.

Continuation of funding for subsequent project years may be contingent upon satisfactory progress.

Completed Projects

Upon completion of the project, recipients must submit:

• A final technical report summarizing project activities and research findings.
• A final financial report documenting the use of awarded funds.

Final reports are due within 90 days of project completion.

Compliance Requirements

Recipients must:

• Comply with applicable all applicable federal, state, university, and institutional research requirements.
• Conduct research in accordance with approved project objectives.
• Use awarded funds only for approved project purposes and budget categories.
• Obtain approval for significant project modifications when required.
• Maintain adequate records to document expenditures and project activities.
• Submit all required progress and final reports by established deadlines.

Grant Agreement

Prior to the release of funds, successful applicants must execute a grant agreement outlining the terms, conditions, reporting requirements, and responsibilities associated with the award.

Failure to meet grant requirements may affect eligibility for future Agricultural Research Fund funding opportunities.

See SBARE Role in Distributing the ARF and Evaluation and Fund Criteria for detailed information.