TreeBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has awarded grants to a dozen projects to develop orchards and plant trees in communities around North Dakota.

The grants total $51,125. They initially were capped at $40,000 but Goehring says strong interest and quality applications prompted the Agriculture Department to secure more federal dollars for the program.

The goal of the program is to increase production of fruit and nut trees, provide educational opportunities and foster community spirit.

Grants range from $1,000 for a Lisbon school project to $9,000 for a community project in Valley City.

The money can be used for plants, trees, planting supplies, soil amendments, irrigation and fencing supplies It can’t be used for permanent structures, capital expenditures or land purchases.