North Central Regional Food Business Center Summit Highlights
The North Central Regional Food Business Center, organized by Region 5 of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, recently hosted a successful two-day summit in Fargo, North Dakota. The event brought together partners and stakeholders from across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota to discuss strategies for strengthening local food systems and supporting regional food businesses.
Key topics addressed at the summit included:
- Community Partnerships: Panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration between the food business center and local communities, sharing their experiences and best practices for building successful partnerships.
- Technical Assistance for Tribal Communities: A dedicated session focused on the unique needs of tribal communities and how to provide effective technical assistance to their farm/ranch/food businesses.
- Business Development: Breakout sessions offered practical advice on topics such as grant writing, marketing, and financial management to help attendees enhance their businesses’ success.
The summit provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to:
- Network with industry professionals
- Learn from experts in the field
- Gain insights into the latest trends and challenges facing the regional food industry
About the USDA Regional Food Business Centers
The USDA Regional Food Business Centers play a vital role in supporting small and mid-sized food producers by providing technical assistance, market access, and resources. Their focus on underinvested farmers, ranchers, and food businesses contributes to a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system.
Key activities of the North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center include:
- Providing technical assistance to create new value chain connections
- Expanding supply and demand in regional markets
- Improving the viability and market value of food products
- Boosting the Upper Midwest regional food systems
By focusing on these areas, the North Central Center is working to strengthen the agricultural value chains in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.