The future of potato processing in North Dakota took a significant step forward in August when Agristo, the Belgian potato processing giant, convened with more than 200 local farmers in Hoople to showcase seed varieties and build essential partnerships ahead of its planned $450 million facility opening in 2028. This meeting represents a crucial investment in the agricultural infrastructure that will connect Red River Valley growers to global markets through specialized potato production.
The field tour and presentation highlighted several processing potato varieties, with particular emphasis on the Fontane potato—a variety known for its large tubers and high yields that make it ideal for processing. This focus on specific varietal characteristics underscores the precise quality requirements of modern potato processing and the importance of collaboration between seed growers, producers, and processors to ensure successful outcomes.
Agristo’s investment represents the largest agricultural processing investment in Grand Forks in over 50 years. The facility is scheduled to break ground in April 2026 and become operational by early 2028. According to Kristof Wallays, Agristo’s Chief of Global Expansion, Innovation and Sustainability, the North Dakota expansion represents the realization of a long-term vision: “Entering the U.S. market always seemed a faraway dream. But this really is the land of dreams, and we are now at a point where we can make this dream a reality.”
The economic implications for regional farmers are substantial. The processing plant will create a stable, local market for specific potato varieties suited to processing, potentially reducing transportation costs and increasing farm profitability. According to the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, the addition of processing capacity could increase the value of the region’s potato crop by 15-20% through improved market access and value-added processing.
The partnership also reflects broader trends in agricultural investment. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, value-added food processing facilities have been shown to increase local agricultural incomes by 8-12% in similar rural communities. The Agristo facility is expected to create approximately 250 direct jobs and potentially 800 indirect jobs in the region, providing significant economic stimulus beyond the agricultural sector.
The emphasis on the Fontane variety specifically aligns with processing industry requirements. Research from the University of Minnesota Extension indicates that processing potatoes typically require:
- High dry matter content (typically 20-24%)
- Low reducing sugar content (below 0.25% to prevent excessive browning)
- Uniform size and shape for consistent processing
- Specific gravity above 1.085 for optimal yield
The successful cultivation of these specialized varieties requires close collaboration between processors and growers, including technical support, quality standards, and potentially contract growing arrangements that provide price stability for farmers.
Agristo’s partnership with North Dakota potato growers represents a model of how global food processing investment can benefit regional agricultural economies. By building relationships early in the development process, the company ensures a reliable supply of quality raw materials while providing farmers with access to stable markets and technical expertise. This collaboration demonstrates the increasing importance of vertical integration and partnership in modern agricultural value chains. For potato growers in the Red River Valley, the Agristo facility offers an opportunity to participate in higher-value markets while contributing to the region’s economic development. The success of this partnership will depend on continued communication, technical cooperation, and mutual commitment to quality throughout the supply chain.
