Jan 14, 2025

Belgian potato company choses North Dakota for $450M processing facility

Belgian-based potato processor Agristo has chosen Grand Forks, North Dakota, as the site of a new, $450 million frozen potato processing facility.

The company chose the region for its high-quality potato farming and logistics connection potential to U.S.-based customers, according to a statement.

The project is expected to create up to 350 jobs.

Agristo said it is working with local authorities to secure an industrial site and finalize plans. Construction negotiations are expected to be finished by mid-2025.

“We are excited to bring additional value added agricultural to North Dakota and Minnesota,” Gary Shields, Northland Potato Growers Association executive director, told Spudman via email. “Our dryland and irrigation acres provide an ideal opportunity for consistent yields to meet the demand for potato processing. The Northland Potato Growers Association is honored to work with Agristo and the new opportunities they will bring.”

The plant is expected to open in 2028, NPGA said in a statement, with combined dryland and irrigated acres topping 15,000.

“This is a game-changer for potato growers in North Dakota, who will benefit from a $500 million, 350-acre facility that provides a new, local market for the high-value crops they produce,” North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said.

Founded in 1986, Agristo conducted years of extensive potato trails in various U.S. states, the company said. A boost in production capacity was needed to satisfy growing European demand for frozen potato products.

In selecting production locations, Agristo said it focused on two key criteria: availability of potatoes and sufficient market scale for its private label segment.

“As a top five potato-producing state and a leader in ag innovation, North Dakota is the ideal location for Agristo’s first processing facility in North America,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “I’ve enjoyed working with Agristo’s leadership, and we look forward to welcoming them to Grand Forks. This project will expand value-added agriculture in North Dakota, improve profitability for our potato growers and strengthen our state’s economy.”