Republican Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Democratic challenger Vern Thompson debated tariffs, the ongoing farm crisis, and the development of data centers in North Dakota this week. The discussion, recorded by Rob Port and Chad Oban of the Plain Talk Podcast, highlighted fundamental differences in their approaches to government oversight and policy advocacy.
A key point of contention centered on data centers and other industrial developments. Thompson stated that the state of North Dakota has "failed the people of North Dakota in this industry," arguing that residents expect the government to work for them. He called for basic state-level regulation to assist local governments in navigating the permitting process for large-scale projects like billion-dollar data centers. Thompson emphasized that local control should take precedence, saying a township should have the right to decide on industrial development within its boundaries.
Goehring, in contrast, said that data center developers must better explain their facilities' purpose, infrastructure demands, and community benefits. However, he stressed that the government should not interfere with private property owners seeking to develop their land legally. Goehring expressed concern over "NIMBY" or Not In My Backyard attitudes, which he believes lead local governments to exclude or place unreasonable restrictions on industrial development. He advocated for "reasonable and responsible zoning" that respects property rights while being balanced.
The candidates also disagreed on the extent of the Agriculture Commissioner’s role in proactively developing policy solutions. Thompson criticized Goehring and other state officials for not being more active on issues like data centers and the farm crisis, stating that "nobody wants to advocate." He suggested using natural gas, often proposed for data centers, for fertilizer plants instead to lower input costs for farmers, and committed to using a "bully pulpit" to advocate for the people.
Goehring countered that the executive branch's role is to "execute, implement and enforce," with the Legislature primarily responsible for setting policy. He warned that officials who step outside their lane could face scrutiny in audit reports, noting that the Legislature is clear about the authority given. Goehring defended his advocacy as working behind the scenes with stakeholders like the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Commerce to develop solutions, such as a potential framework for fertilizer incentives.
Both candidates acknowledged that challenges facing North Dakota’s agricultural producers constitute the worst farm crisis in 40 years, with tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump contributing to the problem. Thompson was critical of Goehring for not publicly standing up against the tariffs, stating he would criticize any political party for such actions. Goehring, while not blaming Trump, condemned the tariffs, clarifying that "Countries don’t pay tariffs. The consumer pays tariffs." He described tariffs as a different form of tax and said he has provided feedback to federal agencies and promoted North Dakota ag products to international trade contacts.
Thompson questioned the sufficiency of Goehring's actions regarding tariffs and high input costs, asking for a clear plan. Goehring defended his record, highlighting his work with the governor to make red-dyed diesel available for highway use and his involvement in the Bank of North Dakota’s agricultural relief loan program. Goehring, a third-generation farmer who has served as Agriculture Commissioner since his 2009 appointment and has been elected four times, expressed optimism for the future of agriculture, emphasizing the importance of trade and research. Thompson, who runs a trucking business in Fargo and is a former farmer and state legislator, aims to become the first Democrat elected to statewide office in North Dakota since 2012.
