More than forty percent of north dakota's residents live in rural areas where agriculture supports local economies and provides employment for one in four individuals

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded North Dakota State University $144,270 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a period of performance through September 30, 2030.

NDSU Extension is implementing a coordinated initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural capacity, improving local food systems effectiveness, and promoting economic opportunities across rural and tribal communities in North Dakota. Core activities include education, technical assistance, and collaborative projects supporting indigenous farmers, ranchers, and small-scale producers. The initiative emphasizes support for communities experiencing barriers to consistent food access and agricultural opportunity, with particular focus on North Dakota's rural areas where agriculture employs one in four individuals.

Joint programs with Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC), a 1994 land-grant tribal college, concentrate on agricultural education, youth engagement, and applied research related to juneberry production and soil health. Programming includes youth camps, gardening projects, equine science programs, and workshops in food preservation and applied arts. A tribal liaison formalized partnerships between NDSU Extension and North Dakota's tribal colleges and reservation communities beginning in 2020, establishing frameworks for shared learning, resource coordination, and community-driven solutions.

Place of performance is North River, North Dakota 58102.

Many native american and rural communities continue to experience barriers to consistent food access and agricultural opportunity. At the same time, the region is experiencing an increase in interest in small-acreage farming and diversified local food enterprises. In response, north dakota state university (ndsu) extension is implementing a coordinated initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural capacity, improving the effectiveness of local food systems, and promoting economic opportunities across rural and tribal communities. The initiative aims to improve food security, expand local production, and enhance agricultural livelihoods. Core activities include support for indigenous farmers, ranchers, and small-scale producers through education, technical assistance, and collaborative projects. The establishment of a tribal liaison in 2020 formalized partnerships between ndsu extension and north dakota's tribal colleges and reservation communities, creating a foundation for shared learning, resource coordination, and community-driven solutions. At nueta hidatsa sahnish college (nhsc)-one of five 1994 land-grant tribal colleges-joint programs with ndsu extension focus on agricultural education, youth engagement, and applied research related to juneberry production and soil health. These activities provide students and community members with knowledge and hands-on experience that support local food production and strengthen community capacity. Youth programming remains a key component of this collaboration, integrating local perspectives with contemporary agricultural learning through nhsc's camp, gardening projects, equine science programs, and workshops in food preservation and applied arts. These opportunities develop leadership, critical thinking, and stewardship skills among youth while fostering engagement, collaboration, and service within their communities. Ndsu extension continues to support tribal and rural communities across the turtle mountain, spirit lake, fort berthold, and standing rock reservations through expertise in soil health, integrated pest and weed management, conservation, and regenerative agriculture. Collaboration with tribal colleges, soil conservation districts, and county weed boards combines locally informed and research-based methods to improve land management and resource stewardship. Additionally, the small farms team provides assistance to new and emerging producers through seminars, publications, and mentoring programs focused on local foods, horticulture, livestock integration, conservation tillage, nutrient management, and cover crop systems. Expected outcomes include expanded access to technical education, stronger institutional and community partnerships, and increased producer capacity to apply effective, research-based agricultural practices. The initiative is expected to enhance local food production and availability in native american and rural communities, support economic stability for small-scale producers, and promote the stewardship of soil and natural resources. Primary beneficiaries-farmers, ranchers, youth, tribal colleges, and community organizations-will acquire the skills, networks, and applied knowledge necessary to implement productive and efficient agricultural systems throughout north dakota.