Agristo, a Belgium-based potato processor, says it expects to open its first U.S. production site in Grand Forks, N.D., in 2028. Groundbreaking is expected in 2025.
The first phase alone represents a $450 million investment and will create 300 to 350 jobs and stimulate indirect investments in agriculture and supply chains, according to a news release. Grand Forks was selected because North Dakota “is home to a strong agricultural community with deep expertise in potato farming.”
There’s also room for anticipated expansion at that location.
While the existing Simplot processing plant in Grand Forks serves the quick-service restaurant industry, the Agristo plant will focus on product for retail buyers, said Gary Shields, executive director of the Northland Potato Growers Association, East Grand Forks, Minn.
The new plant should be good news for potato growers.
“The potato industry is a growing industry, and there are new opportunities in the process industry that are going to be increasing acres in North Dakota and Minnesota,” Shields said.
