08.08.13

Hoeven Helps Dedicate New United Pulse Facility in Minot

Senator Working to Pass Farm Bill, Support Value-Added Ag Producers

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined United Pulse Trading in dedicating the new $30 million pulse processing facility in Minot. As governor, Hoeven worked with North Dakota’s Department of Commerce, local officials and executives from United Pulse Trading’s parent company to bring the company to North Dakota, one of the primary pulse producing states in the nation. This collaboration was part of Hoeven’s efforts to expand agribusiness throughout the state as part of North Dakota’s strategic plan for economic growth.

“Agriculture is still number one in North Dakota’s vibrant and growing economy, and we are proud to be a national leader not only in pulse crop production, but in more than a dozen commodities,” Hoeven said. “United Pulse’s operations add value to our crops and bring North Dakota products to markets around the world. That’s why I am working hard as a farm bill conferee to pass a long-term farm bill that provides the kind of support our agricultural producers and companies like United Pulse Trading need to meet demand both at home and globally.”

The United Pulse Trading facility, whose construction began in late 2012, is an expansion of United Pulse’s operations in Williston and will process pulse products such as peas, lentils and chickpeas, after which the products will be exported worldwide. The facility is expected to employ 45 people and is also expected to expand its capacity to produce pulse flours, proteins, fibers and starches. United Pulse is a subsidiary of Alliance Grain Traders, Inc. (AGT), a global company focused on value-added processing with markets in more than 100 countries.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Hoeven has worked in the past two sessions to pass a long-term farm bill for North Dakota farmers and ranchers and for the nation. Last week, Hoeven was named to the conference committee responsible for reconciling the Senate and House versions of the farm bill, which passed the Senate this June. Farmers Union this week honored the senator with its Golden Triangle Award, the organization’s highest legislative honor.