Key Takeaways
- NDSU and Resource Innovation Institute launched the Legendary Harvest Project.
- Study evaluates colocating high-tech greenhouses with data center infrastructure.
- Applied Digital is providing site access, funding, and operational support.
- Project will assess technical, economic, and environmental feasibility.
- Findings are expected in a report scheduled for mid-2026.
NDSU & RII's Legendary Harvest Project Explores Data Center Waste Heat for Food Production
North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department and the Resource Innovation Institute (RII) have initiated the Legendary Harvest Project, a public-private research effort examining the feasibility of colocating high-tech greenhouse systems with data center infrastructure.
Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: APLD) is supporting the study by providing site access, matching funds, and operational insights. The research will take place at Applied Digital’s Polaris Forge 2 development near Harwood, North Dakota.
The project aims to address two ongoing regional challenges: limited year-round food production due to North Dakota’s short growing season and harsh winters, and the underutilization of waste heat generated by high-performance data centers. Researchers are evaluating whether excess heat from data center operations can be redirected to support large-scale greenhouse vegetable production within a proposed “Farm Park” model.
“The NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department is researching how to advance food security in North Dakota from a number of angles,” said Dr. Xinhua Jia, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. “This colocation approach has the potential to make a significant impact. There’s a lot to figure out, and collaboration is key.”
Public-Private Collaboration and Feasibility Assessment
Applied Digital stated it is participating in the project to explore how its infrastructure could contribute to community-oriented initiatives.
“We try to be creative and community-minded as we site our facilities,” said Nick Phillips, EVP-External Affairs at Applied Digital. “When NDSU approached us to contribute to their research collaboration with RII, we were pleased to contribute matching funds, evaluate potential land availability, and support the study with the participation of our team.”
RII previously completed a Farm Park feasibility study in Virginia examining the broader concept of colocating data centers with greenhouses and agribusinesses. However, that assessment did not evaluate site-specific economics.
“Applied Digital deserves leadership recognition for opening the possibilities of what data center development could bring,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of Resource Innovation Institute. “Just think how effectively we could advance community resilience in the US if data center developers and operators routinely explored these types of public-private partnerships.”
The Legendary Harvest Project is expected to deliver a comprehensive report in mid-2026, assessing the technical, economic, and environmental viability of implementing data center–greenhouse colocation strategies in North Dakota.
