Grand Forks Region Celebrates Agribusiness Growth with J.R. Simplot Award

Community leaders say the region's traditional commodities and business-friendly climate are attracting new investments.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:30am

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An isometric 3D illustration depicting a stylized potato processing plant surrounded by fields of crops, representing the agricultural abundance and industrial growth in the Grand Forks region.The Grand Forks region's thriving agribusiness sector, anchored by major investments like the new Agristo potato plant, is driving economic growth and opportunity.East Grand Forks Today

The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation awarded its annual Klaus Thiessen Award to the J.R. Simplot Company, a major potato processor that has made significant investments in the community. Local leaders say agribusiness growth, fueled by the region's agricultural products and welcoming business environment, is a key highlight for the area.

Why it matters

The Thiessen Award recognition for Simplot underscores the importance of agribusiness to the Grand Forks regional economy. The area has attracted substantial new investments from companies like Epitome Energy and Agristo, drawn by the availability of key agricultural commodities and a pro-business climate.

The details

J.R. Simplot, a potato processor that employs around 400 people and has a payroll exceeding $80 million, was awarded the Thiessen Award for its positive impact on economic growth in the region. In 2019, Simplot built a $30 million high-bay freezer expansion at its Grand Forks plant. Other major agribusiness players in the area include American Crystal Sugar, Philadelphia Macaroni, and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator.

  • In 2019, Simplot built a $30 million high-bay freezer expansion at its Grand Forks plant.
  • In 2022, Epitome Energy announced plans to build a $500 million soybean crush plant in Grand Forks.
  • In January 2025, Agristo, a Belgian company, announced plans to build a $450 million potato processing plant in Grand Forks, expected to bring 300 jobs.

The players

J.R. Simplot Company

A major potato processor that has made significant investments in the Grand Forks region, including a $30 million high-bay freezer expansion in 2019.

Epitome Energy

A company that announced plans in 2022 to build a $500 million soybean crush plant in Grand Forks.

Agristo

A Belgian company that announced plans in January 2025 to build a $450 million potato processing plant in Grand Forks, expected to bring 300 jobs.

American Crystal Sugar

A longstanding agribusiness company with a factory in East Grand Forks, Minnesota that is a cornerstone of the local economy.

Philadelphia Macaroni

A company in north Grand Forks that converts local wheat into pasta products for national distributors.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission is feeding the world and this (award) speaks volumes to that. And we're never going to stop. It's what we do and we're going to keep getting better at it. This is just the beginning.”

— David Valdez, J.R. Simplot's regional plant manager

“I think first of all, we have great agricultural producers. That's why people are initially coming here. We have the products — whether it's soybeans, potatoes, wheat or sugar beats, it starts with that. But also, we have a business climate that wants to grow. We want agribusiness here.”

— Brandon Bochenski, Mayor of Grand Forks

What’s next

The Agristo potato processing plant is expected to break ground in April 2025, with full production likely to begin sometime in 2028.

The takeaway

The Grand Forks region's strong agricultural base, combined with its welcoming business climate, has fueled significant agribusiness growth and investment, solidifying the area's status as a hub for food production and processing.