Belgian potato processor holds official groundbreaking for North Dakota site

A 350-acre North Dakota production site for Belgian potato producer Agristo held its official groundbreaking on July 7.

The $450 million processing facility in Grand Forks is part of Agristo’s inaugural North American expansion, a project expected to have a $1.5 billion regional economic impact.

The facility was announced in January 2025, with Grand Forks officials touring Belgium facilities later that year. Site preparation began in October.

The Grand Forks plant will produce an array of frozen offerings, including French fries, waffle fries, hashbrowns and tater tots.

The company’s total investment is expected to top $1 billion and employ more than 300 workers at its 650,000 square-foot plant. More than 50 regional growers will produce about 275,000 tons of potatoes on 20,000 contracted acres.

Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring were among the local officials attending the groundbreaking.