The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has been the catalyst behind the local foods movement in North Dakota.  Since the NDDA began promoting the Local Foods initiative in August of 2008, the state has seen significant support and growth in the interest of farmers markets, Farm to School initiatives, specialty crop awareness and opportunities for rural communities. 

The vision of the Local Foods initiative is to Create a food system in North Dakota that is abundant in locally produced foods to foster the betterment of our health, economic wellbeing, and the self reliance of our citizens. The Department of Agriculture continues to strive to make local foods a house hold name in North Dakota.

Some programs offered thru the local foods initiative include:

• Hunger Free ND Garden Project
• Starting a Community Orchard in North Dakota

Going Local News: The Department of Agriculture produces and distributes the Going Local News – a newsletter dedicated to local foods and local communities.  You can find past issues of the newsletter below or send a email to ndda@nd.gov to subscribe to the Going Local News.  

Local Foods Conference: The NDDA and North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association join together every year for a Local Foods Conference and NDFMGA Annual meeting.  Keep posted for the 2012 date!

Social Media: As the local foods initiative grows in our region, become part of the movement by joining our social media networking.  Join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/goinglocalnorthdakota or become a part of the local foods online community at www.goinglocalnd.ning.com.

For more information on these programs contact Dana Pritschet at 701-328-4763 or email pritschet@nd.gov