The State Seed Department is designated by the State of North Dakota to license Wholesale Potato Dealers. The purpose of the licensing program is to ensure the financial protection of growers and others engaged in the production or trade of potatoes. Potato producers are encouraged to do business only with brokers and processors who are licensed and bonded by the state.

A wholesale dealer is defined as:
“any person who buys potatoes in wholesale lots directly from a grower or grower cooperative, who sells or handles potatoes in wholesale lots for the purpose of processing or resale, or who handles potatoes on account of or as an agent for another” NDCC Chapter 4-11-01 (4).

In general, any individual or company doing business in North Dakota as a wholesale dealer (defined) is required to obtain a license from the State Seed Department. Buying, selling or brokering of potatoes in any sizeable amount requires licensure.

1. Obtain and complete in full the license application form. Failure to complete the application will result in return or denial.
2. Secure either bond or letter of credit, to be approved by the Seed Commissioner. The required financial security amount is set by a sliding scale based on product value purchased during the previous business year. Bond forms and letter of credit format may be obtained by contacting the State Seed Department.
3. Provide financial statements as required by the application (either on the application or as an attachment to the application).
4. Sign and notarize the application form, submit the completed application, financial security forms and a $200 license fee to the Seed Department by June 30.

There are approximately 40-50 wholesale potato dealers licensed by the state in any given year. A list of currently licensed dealers is available on this site.

For details on the Wholesale Potato Dealers license program or questions related to licensing, please contact the Seed Commissioner’s office at 701-231-5400.