GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Belgium-based Agristo has provided an update on the construction of its potato processing facility in Grand Forks, confirming that the project timeline has been extended by one year. The facility, originally expected to begin production in fall 2028 following a two-year construction period, now has a target production start of fall 2029. The project remains one of the largest private-sector investments in the history of northeast North Dakota.
Construction on the approximately 350-acre site began in September 2025. Crews are currently completing structural work, including installing pilings for the building foundations. City Administrator Todd Feland said the decision to extend the timeline was deliberate, primarily to avoid rushing the construction process. “It made sense to take one more construction season to complete the project,” Feland said. The additional construction season also gives the City of Grand Forks more time to advance infrastructure improvements in support of the project, including water and sewer line upgrades and the paving of 27th Avenue North.
“Construction is progressing on the Agristo site, and the project’s momentum is clear,” said Keith Lund, EDC President & CEO. “An extended timeline and a growing investment both reflect a company building something substantial. Grand Forks is proud to be the home of their first U.S. facility, and we remain fully committed to their success here.”
The total cost of the facility has increased from the original $450 million estimate. A revised final figure has not yet been determined, with construction and equipment cost escalations among the contributing factors. Feland confirmed that none of the additional cost will affect city finances, and that a higher overall investment translates to greater taxable value for the city, Grand Forks County, and Grand Forks Public Schools. “I think the other message is that they’re full steam ahead on building that facility and are looking forward to coming to Grand Forks and serving all their customers in the United States,” Feland said.
Agristo has been building its local team since the project was announced in January 2025. The company hired its first Grand Forks-area employee, an agronomist, by December 2025. Since then, Agristo has added a plant director, a transport director, a sales director, and a human resources director to its Grand Forks operations. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for July.
The extended timeline has not dampened enthusiasm among regional agricultural producers. Gary Shields, executive director of the Northland Potato Growers Association, said local growers remain strongly supportive of the project. “I think it’s typical of any construction project that there are things going on in the world that sometimes affect projects,” said Shields. “Overall, we’re very excited about the continuation of the project construction.” Regional potato growers have been informed of the updated schedule, and some producers are using the additional construction season to build storage capacity in preparation for the anticipated increase in production volume.
When fully operational, the facility is expected to process approximately 275,000 tons of potatoes annually, with the majority sourced from farms in the Red River Valley. The plant is projected to create 300 to 350 permanent jobs. Shields noted the broader investment landscape for regional agriculture: “Agriculture is the backbone of North Dakota, and we are so blessed to have Simplot, Cavendish, Agristo and all the processors that have invested money. This is an exciting project that has nothing but a bright future for agriculture in our community.”
The City of Grand Forks and Agristo signed a development agreement for the project in August 2025. The Grand Forks City Council approved a 20-year, 90% Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) incentive package in July 2025. Additional project information is available at agristo.com/grand-forks
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