The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association is moving its irrigated potato research farm so researchers are closer to the operation.
The research farm bought in 2002 near Tappen, N.D., is 215 miles from Grand Forks, while the new location at Fordville, N.D., is 50 miles out.
Association president Chuck Gunnerson tells the Grand Forks Herald newspaper the location of the research farm near Tappen means too many miles on the road for scientists working out of the northern Red River Valley.
The 330-member group, formerly known as the Red River Potato Growers Association, is selling the Tappen farm and leasing land at Fordville.
Only 15 percent of the association's members are irrigators, but they account for 55 percent of the crop.