BISMARCK, N.D. — A Native American tribe in North Dakota is set to cultivate lettuce in a massive greenhouse complex, which will become one of the largest in the country upon completion. This project will allow the tribe to produce a significant portion of their own food supply, a much-needed development after their ancestral land was flooded by a federal dam, destroying centuries-old crops like corn, beans, and other produce.
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation is currently working on a 3.3-acre greenhouse for their Native Green Grow operation. Even though the greenhouse is not yet fully completed, they plan to start growing leafy greens, tomatoes, and strawberries this summer.
Tribal Chairman Mark Fox emphasized the historical significance of their agricultural practices, stating, “We’re the first farmers of this land. We were once a vital part of the aboriginal trade system, cultivating crops like corn, beans, squash, and watermelons on a large scale, supporting various tribes for thousands of years.”
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The tribe has allocated approximately $76 million for the initial phase of the project, which includes the greenhouse, a warehouse, and other facilities near the town of Parshall.
Future expansion plans aim to increase the growing space to about 14.5 acres, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind globally.
The first greenhouse structure will cover an area equivalent to seven football fields.
The tribe’s rich farmland along the Missouri River was submerged in the 1950s by the construction of the Garrison Dam, resulting in the formation of Lake Sakakawea.
Accessing fresh produce has been a persistent challenge in western North Dakota, where the tribe resides on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Due to the remote location and difficult terrain divided by Lake Sakakawea, it is far from major urban centers like Bismarck and Fargo.
The greenhouses will play a crucial role in providing food to the 8,300 residents on the reservation, as well as to other reservations and food banks in the region.
The tribe aims to initially produce almost 2 million pounds of food annually, with a long-term goal of reaching 12 to 15 million pounds per year. The first phase is expected to create 30 to 35 jobs.
This initiative aligns with a national trend of enhancing food sovereignty among Native American tribes, triggered by supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribes have been investing in their food systems, from underground greenhouses in South Dakota to meat processing plants in Oklahoma.
The USDA’s Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative supports tribal food sovereignty efforts with programs like indigenous seed hubs, foraging guides, cooking videos, and meat processing programs for indigenous animals.
Heather Dawn Thompson, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Tribal Relations and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, emphasized the historical resilience and independence of indigenous peoples in providing for themselves, despite challenges.
The MHA Nation’s greenhouse development is made possible by access to potable water and natural gas resources. The tribe plans to utilize natural gas from the Bakken oil field to power the greenhouse and produce fertilizer, addressing environmental concerns associated with gas flaring in the region.
The MHA Nation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is a step toward self-sufficiency and economic growth, utilizing resources in an innovative and environmentally conscious manner.
