Belgium-based potato processor celebrates construction milestone on $1 billion+ facility that will bring 300+ jobs, and establish deep roots in Red River Valley agriculture
Agristo, a Belgium-based leader in potato processing celebrated the official groundbreaking of its first U.S. processing facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The ceremony marked a visible milestone in a project already well underway. Site preparation began in September 2025 with the establishment of foundation pillars and pilings, signaling the next phase of construction on what will become one of the most significant food processing investments in the region’s history.
Representing a total investment of more than $1 billion, the Grand Forks facility is targeting the potato harvest of 2029 as the first harvest to be processed in the state-of-the-art facility. At full capacity, the plant will process 1.1 billion pounds of potatoes annually, producing 550 million pounds of finished potato products.
“Throughout this past winter, we’ve continued to make strong progress despite harsh weather conditions,” said Ruben Devos, Agristo Grand Forks Project Director. “With the arrival of spring and early summer, we were able to smoothly resume construction and accelerate all related activities. The established foundation is now ready for the remaining construction milestones and represents not just a physical foundation, but a reflection of the strong work ethic demonstrated by our partners and everyone who has contributed to this project so far.”
Alongside construction progress, Agristo has moved quickly to establish its U.S.-based leadership team and agronomy staff. Since the project’s announcement, the company has made several key hires to form a local leadership team and ensure a smooth startup heading into the facility commissioning window.
The economic impact of the Agristo facility extends well beyond the processing plant floor. Total direct and indirect economic impact on the region is projected to reach up to $1.5 billion. The facility will create more than 300 direct jobs at peak operation, with ripple effects across the local supply chain, construction, and service sectors.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Agristo chose Grand Forks as the place to establish their first North American production facility,” said Keith Lund, President and CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation.
Echoing that statement, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski stated, “Agristo coming to the Grand Forks region is a generational win for our farmers and our community. Our future success is forever linked and shines brighter than ever.”
Potato sourcing for the Grand Forks facility will be concentrated in the Red River Valley, spanning across North Dakota and Minnesota – one of the most productive agricultural corridors in North America. At full capacity, the facility will require approximately 20,000 acres of potato cropland annually and will engage over 50 farmers once fully operational.
An investment of this size requires years of preparation to establish strong relationships throughout the supply chain. A key partner behind bringing this investment to life is Walmart, which has been crucial in providing the necessary commitments that allowed Agristo to take the leap. The project is a direct result of Walmart’s U.S. manufacturing initiative, which aims to benefit communities and create jobs across the country.
“Walmart and Agristo share a commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer value,” said Jaclyn Lomax, VP Supplier Excellence at Walmart U.S. “Agristo has been a trusted collaborator for many years, and we’re excited by this investment in Grand Forks and the Red River Valley. As a retailer serving customers across North Dakota, we know how important agriculture is to the state’s economy. This project will create jobs, expand opportunities for local farmers, and bring significant investment to the region. This investment demonstrates the value of foreign direct investment and the impact trusted global suppliers can have in the United States – strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and supporting local communities.”
