Funding Available For K-12 Hydroponic Garden Projects

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that funding is now available for schools to add hydroponic gardens to their curriculum.

“The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking schools interested in bringing this STEM learning opportunity into their classrooms, which will also help increase access to local foods,” Goehring said. “Schools will have until May 2026 to grow their hydroponic garden, but we hope the gardens continue to be used by students long after the end of the grant period.”

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) is offering the opportunity to K-12 public schools. Applications and full program details are available at the department’s website. Applications must be submitted electronically by Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Schools selected will be notified by Dec. 15, and hydroponic gardens are set to be delivered in early January 2026.

According to NDDA, grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is depleted. The agency expects to distribute about 50 hydroponic units statewide. Schools that received a hydroponic garden during the 2023-24 school year are not eligible to apply in this round.

Questions about the program may be directed to Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.

Funding is provided through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced that funding is now available for schools to add hydroponic gardens to their curriculum.

“The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking schools interested in bringing this STEM learning opportunity into their classrooms, which will also help increase access to local foods,” Goehring said. “Schools will have until May 2026 to grow their hydroponic garden, but we hope the gardens continue to be used by students long after the end of the grant period.”

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) is offering the opportunity to K-12 public schools. Applications and full program details are available at the department’s website. Applications must be submitted electronically by Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Schools selected will be notified by Dec. 15, and hydroponic gardens are set to be delivered in early January 2026.

According to NDDA, grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is depleted. The agency expects to distribute about 50 hydroponic units statewide. Schools that received a hydroponic garden during the 2023-24 school year are not eligible to apply in this round.

Questions about the program may be directed to Local Foods Marketing Specialist Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.

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Funding is provided through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program.