As 2024 comes to a close, FARMS reflects on our growth, innovation, and collaboration in advancing food security solutions. We’ve laid the foundation for creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Here’s a recap of our milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Key Learnings from Our First Six Months
In the early stages of FARMS, we discovered that collaboration lies at the heart of sustainable innovation. By engaging growers, Indigenous communities, and tech innovators, we’ve fostered trust and inclusivity, ensuring that technology-enabled solutions are culturally aligned and equitable.
Cross-sector partnerships emerged as a critical strategy, helping us create replicable frameworks for broader food security solutions. These efforts are guided by a belief that innovation thrives when rooted in local realities while addressing global challenges.
The Importance of Agriculture Innovation in Our Region
In North Dakota, agriculture drives not just the economy but also the potential for transformative innovation. The region’s agricultural value chain—from production to processing—offers countless opportunities to apply advanced technologies that enhance resilience and sustainability.
Key drivers of change include:
Demographic and climate shifts that demand adaptable, forward-thinking solutions.
Emerging technologies that improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and reduce environmental impacts.
FARMS has committed to accelerating knowledge sharing and creating scalable, tech-enabled systems that enrich the natural, social, and human capital of our communities.
Celebrating Communities: Strength in Diversity
At FARMS, “community” is more than geography—it’s a network of shared challenges and opportunities. In 2024, we worked alongside diverse groups, including:
Tribal Nations, where bison rematriation integrates traditional practices with technology to restore balance and sovereignty over food systems.
Rural Communities, which face unique challenges such as geographic isolation, supply chain inefficiencies, and climate disruptions. Through targeted innovations, we are addressing these pressing issues.
Traditional Farmers and Ranchers, who need user-friendly, cost-effective tools to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.
Small Producers, especially underrepresented groups, who require inclusive systems to access resources, markets, and technological advancements.
Driving Innovation through Inclusive Investment
To ensure the benefits of innovation reach all stakeholders, FARMS has championed inclusive investment models, including Public-Private Partnerships and ESG-aligned impact investing. These approaches have fostered collaboration, reduced financial burdens for smaller producers, and amplified the scalability of sustainable food systems.
Notable highlights include:
Partnerships with venture capital firms to co-invest in infrastructure critical for rural communities.
Collaboration with philanthropic organizations to scale solutions tailored to local food security needs.
Key Milestones and Initiatives
Expanding Our Team and Mission
This year, we assembled a dynamic team committed to making FARMS a hub for transformative rural AgTech engagement and equitable economic development. Their dedication has driven projects that integrate cutting-edge technology with the values of inclusivity and sustainability.
Advancing Research and Development (R&D)
We’ve made significant investments in:
Predictive crop performance models to enhance decision-making for farmers.
Sensor technologies that increase productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
Rural broadband extension to ensure connectivity for underserved communities.
UAW partnerships to foster workforce development in agriculture and technology sectors.
Strengthening Tribal Partnerships
Through collaborations with Tribal Nations, we’re integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern technology. A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Coalition of Large Tribes highlights efforts like bison rematriation, promoting food sovereignty and ecological balance.
Bridging Growers and Startups
Our partnership with AgLaunch connects growers directly with startups, offering unique investment opportunities and access to innovative solutions that transform agricultural practices.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As we plan for the future, FARMS is focused on scaling our successes and deepening our impact. Key priorities include:
Scaling Community-Led Projects: Amplifying the outcomes of local innovations for broader replication.
Expanding Stakeholder Ecosystems: Building new partnerships to drive collaborative problem-solving.
Refining Innovative Frameworks: Strengthening the Integrated Innovation Framework™ to guide sustainable food security solutions.
Workforce Development and Cross-Cultural Engagement: Investing in education and training that empowers communities and fosters inclusivity.
By aligning local successes with a global vision, FARMS aims to redefine how food security challenges are tackled—one community, one solution at a time.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in 2024, but the journey has just begun. With your continued support, we’ll drive forward innovations that ensure food security for generations to come.
Join us in shaping the future of agriculture.