Pesticide Harmonization Grant Program

The North Dakota Crop Protection Product Harmonization and Registration Board (NDCPPHRB) administers two specialized grant programs designed to address challenges in the registration and labeling of crop protection products within the state. Established under Century Code 4.1-39 and governed by Administrative Rules Article 107-01 and 107-02, the Board plays a critical role in improving access to effective and affordable pesticides for North Dakota agricultural producers. The Board is composed of a mix of state officials, legislative appointees, and agricultural experts, including the Agriculture Commissioner and representatives from both legislative chambers, ensuring diverse oversight and guidance. The two main funding streams under the Board’s authority are the Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program and the Pesticide Harmonization Grant Program. The Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program is focused on supporting studies and evaluations that contribute to maintaining or obtaining pesticide registration for minor crop or minor uses specific to North Dakota. The fund can be accessed by qualified universities, private research laboratories, and the USDA, while explicitly excluding pesticide manufacturers, dealers, or distributors. This limitation ensures that the program remains focused on public interest and research-oriented goals rather than commercial advancement. The Pesticide Harmonization Grant Program seeks to alleviate disparities between U.S.-registered pesticides and their often more affordable Canadian counterparts. The program prioritizes proposals that focus on harmonizing pesticide labeling and availability, especially those involving Canadian pesticides that are identical or substantially similar to U.S.-registered products. This initiative aims to help agricultural groups advocate for more cost-effective product access while maintaining safety and regulatory standards. Applications to both programs must be submitted by two annual deadlines—March 1 and November 1—to coincide with scheduled board meetings. Proposals may also be submitted at any time and will be reviewed as determined by the Board Chair. Proposals must include a specified funding amount, a detailed explanation of intended use, a timeline for fund utilization, and any additional information deemed necessary by the Board. Applicants must submit 12 physical copies and one electronic version via email to Lilliann Johnston, the program’s Environmental Scientist contact. Although there is no fixed dollar limit on grant awards, the Board evaluates applications based on relevance, clarity of purpose, and potential impact on crop protection practices in North Dakota. The programs are tailored to assist commodity groups and researchers in navigating complex pesticide registration processes and align state-level needs with broader regulatory harmonization efforts. Awards are announced following board reviews, and funded projects are expected to proceed according to the submitted timetable. The Board encourages proactive participation and offers ongoing opportunities for agriculture groups to enhance crop protection product accessibility across the state.