APUC Application Process

The Commission typically holds its funding review meetings within one month following the submission deadline. A maximum of 15 qualifying applicants are invited to present their proposals to the Commission on a quarterly basis. An agenda is forwarded to each qualifying applicant shortly after the submission of the proposal. Thirty minutes are allowed for each presentation, to include a question and answer period. 

A complete application must contain all required information and any supplemental attachments. Original signatures of the applicant, project advisor (if applicable), and fiscal agent must be included.

The completed application may be submitted on or before the deadline to mbodine@nd.gov or mailed to:

North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Products Utilization Commission
600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 602
Bismarck  ND 58505-0020

Funding Criteria

Qualifying APUC grants are for North Dakota companies that add value to North Dakota agriculture.

Applications are weighed on a 100-point scale:

• 30 points for demonstration of a high level of probability of jobs and wealth creation.

• 30 points for scientific and technical merit of any research, as well as the qualifications of the project's principals. An application with substantial market and commercial potential will be favored over one with little perceived economic impact. Further, research applications should be innovative as well as commercially plausible.

• 15 points for demonstration of a high level of probability of rapid commercialization.

• 10 points for demonstration of a shared commitment for funding from other sources (e.g. from the application and/or other public and private sources).

• 5 points for geographical considerations.

• 10 additional points may be awarded based upon an individual Commission member's judgment for the potential success of a proposal.

APUC Forms