The NDSU Extension Service has scheduled workshops in March to help persons applying for a federal grant through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program.
The program aims to increase the consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and develop new markets for local farm and ranch operations. This includes starting, improving or expanding farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and agritourism activities. Grants are being offered in every state this spring.
NDSU Extension, in collaboration with the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute for Food and Agriculture to conduct workshops in North Dakota.
The workshops are set for:
- March 4 in Dickinson, North Dakota
- March 5 in Minot, North Dakota
- March 9 in Wahpeton, North Dakota
- March 10 in Grafton, North Dakota
Following the workshops, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture has scheduled listening sessions to determine how to expand opportunities for specialty crops and local food producers.
The workshops are scheduled to run from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Go to www.ag.ndsu.edu/smallbusiness to register.
For more information, contact Glenn Muske, NDSU Extension's rural and agribusiness enterprise development specialist, at glenn.muske@ndsu.edu or 701-328-9718.
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