Hoeven: Cooperative Agreement will Supercharge Research Engine at National Rural Export Center

Senator Working to Link NDSU Ag Policy Center with National REC, Boost Exports for Farmers & Rural Businesses Nationwide FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced a new initiative to link the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) and the National Rural Export Center (REC). Hoeven outlined how the cooperative agreement, which he is advancing as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, will leverage the expertise of the ARPC to supercharge the research engine of the National REC , empowering greater export opportunities for agriculture producers and rural businesses on a nationwide basis. Since Hoeven established and first funded the ARPC in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the center has been a key resource for producers, industry leaders and policymakers, providing real-world analysis of challenges impacting U.S. agriculture. The ARPC’s research was instrumental in shaping the farm safety net enhancements Hoeven passed last year. Recent ARPC research has examined fertilizer price volatility, supply chain disruptions and commodity market trends, including research that helped inform an effort Hoeven recently led supporting a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. Hoeven has secured nearly $6.5 million for the ARPC since FY2024. Hoeven previously worked to support the efforts of Heather Ranck and her team, having secured funding and legislation to make the Fargo-based center the lead for all rural export efforts at the U.S Commercial Service. The National REC is supported by eight regional RECs across the country. The National REC conducts research into export opportunities, with its services being available to any rural business in the U.S. The cooperative agreement that Hoeven is working to fund and establish between the ARPC and National REC will improve rural exports by: Supplying businesses with greater market intelligence. Educating rural businesses on exporting their products. Providing logistics and compliance support. “We have two incredible institutions in Fargo supporting our farmers, ranchers and rural businesses – NDSU’s Ag Policy Research Center and the National Rural Export Center. On their own, these initiatives have been great resources for strengthening farm and rural economies. Now, we’re working to supercharge the research engine of the National REC. We’re working to create a new cooperative agreement that will link the expertise of the policy center with the National REC, helping our farmers and rural businesses across the country to identify and seize more opportunities in foreign markets,” said Hoeven. -###-