Local foods feasibility study underway for northeastern North Dakota

An effort is underway to determine if there are opportunities to expand local food production in northeastern North Dakota. The Northern Plains Resource Conservation and Development Council with assistance from a USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant is conducting the study.

The purpose of the "Northeast ND Local Foods Through Cooperation Feasibility Study" is to assess both the obstacles and the market potential of local foods in ten counties of northeastern North Dakota- Rolette, Pierce, Benson, Eddy, Ramsey, Nelson, Walsh, Pembina, Cavalier, and Towner Counties. All of these are considered rural counties by USDA, according to Council member Jason Fewell.

Local foods are generally those which are produced within 100 miles from the point of purchase, or within a smaller geographical region, and sold directly to consumers or with only limited middlemen, such as a cooperative. Preliminary research shows that the population of 66,600 people in these counties can support from 25-60 local food producers.

Local foods being evaluated include meat, poultry, dairy, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, wine and beer. The study also seeks to discover how much interest there is in adding value to local foods through packaging, processing, preserving, storing or other methods.

"People increasingly want to know where their food comes from, that it is safe, and that there is a reliable supply of it," said Fewell. "At the same time, current and future producers need to know if there is adequate demand and for which types of food (fruits, vegetables, meat, canned, etc.)," he said.

The study is being coordinated by Jo Gilje of Rolette, N.D. A combination of surveys, interviews and focus groups will be used to gather input. "One survey will gather input on what kinds of local foods area consumers currently buy, and would like to be able to buy," said Gilje. Other surveys will invite input from grocers, restaurants, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. "We also are very interested in hearing from our local food producers," Gilje said, "including people who are considering getting into the business."

"This grant will use USDA Rural Development funding to determine the potential of the local foods movement in northeastern North Dakota and the opportunities, and the hurdles that exist for local food growers," Clare Carlson, USDA Rural Development North Dakota State Director said. "Economic development is one of the cornerstones of Rural Development, and this study will assist in evaluating how local foods can positively impact northeastern North Dakota."

The Council's mission is to "Build partnerships which promote leadership development and the wise use of natural resources to facilitate the development of human and natural resources resulting in a desirable quality of life for the residents of northeastern North Dakota."

"We see the study as a useful tool to determine if a local foods market can be established in Northeast North Dakota that benefits both consumers and producers in rural areas by keeping food dollars local," said Fewell. Consumers, producers and other interested persons can "follow" our Facebook page Northeast ND Local Foods - NPRC&D, he said.

In addition to Local Foods Feasibility Study Committee Coordinator Jo Gilje, Rolette, other Committee members are: Danielle Mickelson of Mickelson Tiny Plants and the Farmers Market in Rolla; Holly Mawby of Garden Dweller Farms, Esmond and Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture, Dakota State College, Bottineau; Lindy Berg of NDSU Extension, Towner County; Lori Capouch, Economic Development Director, ND RECs; Mirek Petrovic of Farmtastic Heritage Food Hub, Anamoose; Paige Hook, Community Agriculture Coordinator, Spirit Lake Nation; Yolanda Schmidt of NDSU Extension - Pierce County; Jon Iverson of Cavalier County Soil Conservation District, Langdon; Lance Duey, USDA NRCS Soil Scientist, Devils Lake; Jason Fewell, ND Farm Business Management, Lake Region State College, Devils Lake.