The North Dakota Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss House Bill 13 32, which aims to support the establishment of a significant potato processing facility in the state. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including state officials and local leaders, who emphasized the potential economic benefits of the project.

Doug Goring, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, highlighted the importance of the proposed facility, which is backed by a global company looking to invest between $450 million and $500 million in North Dakota. Goring noted that the company has conducted extensive research over the past three years, including field trials in North Dakota and Wisconsin, to assess the viability of establishing operations in the state. He expressed confidence in the community's commitment to support the project, which is expected to enhance agricultural diversification and benefit potato producers across 15 counties.

Todd Phelan, Grand Forks City Administrator, echoed Goring's sentiments, praising the local potato growers for their role in bringing the project to fruition. He mentioned that the facility would not only serve the Grand Forks area but also have a regional impact, revitalizing the potato industry and creating opportunities for younger farmers. Phelan also noted that the city has invested nearly $30 million in infrastructure to prepare the site for development.

Keith Lund, President and CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, provided further insights into the project's economic implications. He stated that the facility could generate approximately 300 high-paying jobs and create nearly 4,900 construction jobs during its development. Lund emphasized that the project would yield significant tax revenue for the state, estimating returns of $6.7 million during construction and $20 million annually once operational.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding workforce availability, with Lund indicating that a workforce analysis showed North Dakota could meet the labor demands of the facility. He projected that construction could begin in 2026, with operations expected to start in 2028.

Overall, the discussions underscored a strong consensus among committee members and stakeholders about the potential of House Bill 13 32 to bolster North Dakota's agricultural economy and create lasting benefits for local communities. The committee is expected to continue deliberating on the bill, which represents a significant opportunity for agricultural growth in the region.