BISMARCK – The North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission awarded funds to two projects at its quarterly meeting May 30 in Fargo.

APUC is a program of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture that administers grant programs for research and development of new and expanded uses for North Dakota agricultural products which support the development of concepts and products that support rural communities and agriculture operations. The grants can be used for basic and applied research, marketing and utilization, farm diversification, nature-based agritourism, prototype and technology and technical assistance.

Strong Communities, LLC was awarded $50,000 toward a feasibility study to utilize industry-specific energy for greenhouse and container farms.

CoJack Snack and Pack LLC, Devils Lake, was awarded $73,750 to assist in trade show marketing.