Competitive and Profitable Crop Production Statement of Issue North Dakota agricultural production is important to the domestic vitality of the United States and to its position as a leader in the global economy. North Dakota leads the nation in production of hard red spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflower, barley, all dry edible beans, pinto beans, canola and flaxseed.
Crop production is critically important to the economy of the Northern Great Plains.
Still, North Dakota is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation. More than 40 different crops are grown in the state. Use traditional breeding methods to develop a menu of improved varieties or germplasms that are released to constituents for their agronomic, industrial, conservation, or other purposes. Improved agronomic, handling, or industrial characteristics. Develop methods for improving and evaluating natural dinitrogen fixation and nutrient availability for crop plants.