Expanded processing of agricultural products has been widely pursued as a strategy for rural economic development. However, the expansion of valueadded agricultural processing in rural areas has not been without its problems. For example, some communities have found that new plants led to an influx of workers, many with racial/ethnic backgrounds different from those of long-term community residents. In interviews with community leaders and residents in four North Dakota communities with new processing plants, most felt the new plants led to improved job opportunities and enhanced incomes.