Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program

The North Dakota Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program is one of two initiatives administered by the North Dakota Crop Protection Product Harmonization and Registration Board. This board was established under North Dakota Century Code 4.1-39 and guided by Administrative Rules 107-01 and 107-02. Its purpose is to prioritize crop protection product labeling needs and improve access to pesticide options for agricultural producers across the state. The Board’s structure includes representatives appointed by the Governor and Legislative Council, the State Agriculture Commissioner, and representatives from the North Dakota Legislature and North Dakota State University, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on agricultural challenges in the state. The Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program specifically supports the generation of data necessary to register or maintain the registration of pesticides for minor crops or uses within North Dakota. These grants can be used to conduct or commission evaluations, studies, or investigations that support pesticide registration activities. Although there is no fixed ceiling on award amounts, the Board retains discretion to adjust funding levels depending on availability and the merits of individual proposals. The program does not allow grant funds to be used for indirect costs, overhead, or equipment purchases. Any necessary equipment must be funded through alternative means. Eligible applicants include qualified universities, the United States Department of Agriculture, and private researchers or laboratories. Pesticide manufacturers, dealers, or distributors are explicitly ineligible. While proposals may be submitted year-round, the Board accepts applications in advance of March 1 and November 1 deadlines. Awards and reviews occur based on the schedule of Board meetings, which are set to align with the application cycles. Applicants can request funding for projects spanning up to two years, with second-year support contingent upon satisfactory progress and continued funding availability. A complete proposal must include a range of documentation: a coversheet, executive summary, detailed project narrative, description of cost-benefit to North Dakota agriculture, letters of commitment for matching funds, a comprehensive budget, and confirmation from pesticide registrants supporting the proposed use. Projects involving pesticide residue studies must also obtain verification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that a tolerance can be established. Projects must comply with good laboratory practices under 40 CFR Part 160 when the goal is EPA-related registration or exemption actions. Proposals are evaluated based on their relevance to North Dakota’s agricultural economy, potential health and environmental benefits, feasibility of securing a pesticide registration, and quality of project design. Emphasis is also placed on proposals with strong matching contributions, either through cash or in-kind services. Disbursement of funds is contingent on evidence that these matching resources have been committed. All proposals must be submitted both in print (12 copies) and electronically to the Board via Lilliann Johnston at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

Priority given to proposals demonstrating clear economic/environmental benefit and strong matching funds.