Membership Involvement
The S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is made up of growers, processors, chefs, consumers, resource providers and others interested in producing, marketing and supporting South Dakota specialty crops, meats, and products.
We create opportunities for producers and others interested in the industry to learn, market, and network. Our focuses include outreach, production, to agritourism, research support, and product identity. SDSPA also partners with other organizations to work on common goals to progress the industry in the state.
Member engagement is necessary to move efforts forward. The following projects, groups and committees provide a wide range of options for participation. Members can notify the designated contact below to participate or select committees during our annual membership enrollment period in January of each year.
- SDSPA Cut Flower Growers – A statewide networking group that meets quarterly to learn and discuss cut flower production methods, marketing opportunities, research findings and business development. This grower group shares questions and ideas and works to collectively promote the industry. Email Us
- S.D. Farmers Market Coalition – The coalition meets quarterly to discuss topics ranging from market development to production information for vendors. The group has the ability to coordinate statewide programming and promotion and act as a collective voice for S.D. Farmers Markets. This chapter welcomes market managers, vendors, and other community members interested in developing and supporting S.D. Farmers Markets. Email Us
- SDSPA Fruit & Vegetable Growers – This statewide grower group meets quarterly to share questions and ideas, learn about growing methods, research findings, funding opportunities and promote the industry. Email Us
- SDSPA Specialty Meat Producers – Interested in coming together to form a statewide workgroup focused on specialty meat production? We are now gathering members interested in coordinating on statewide efforts, education and promotion of the industry. Email Us
- SDSPA Mentorship – SDSPA’s mentorship program connects new and developing producers with experienced producers that can offer guidance on specific crop production, farm practices, or processing questions. The group hosts periodic virtual sessions and can be a place to ask questions and discuss with other producers. Email Us
- SDSPA Organic Operators Group – Interested in coming together to form a statewide organic production focused workgroup? Members meet monthly to coordinate statewide efforts, learn from guest speakers, network, and promote the S.D. organic industry. Email Us
- SDSPA Urban Agriculture Group – Interested in coming together to form a statewide workgroup focused on urban agriculture? We are now gathering members interested in coordinating on statewide efforts, education and promotion of the industry. Email Us
- Aggregation & Wholesale Market Efforts – In 2021 SDSPA was awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant to connect specialty producers interested in exploring product aggregation. The regional meetings, opportunities, and developed resources can be found on our aggregation page. Contact us if interested in joining these conversations to explore how aggregating products could potentially tap a larger market share through joint distribution. Email Us
- Agritourism Efforts – Share questions, ideas and promote the industry. Participate in planning or hosting events, and hear about upcoming opportunities and activities related to South Dakota agritourism industry. Email Us
- Educational Event Planning – Participate in the planning of specific trainings, workshops, conferences or outreach events. Identify educational needs and resources. Email Us
- Education/Training Presenter – Assist by sharing information through in person and virtual workshops and presentations at various events such as farm tours, workshops, conferences, or other relevant events. Email Us
- Local Food Events – Help with the promotion of S.D. specialty products by assisting with events at farmers markets, conferences, or other industry events. Activities may include event marketing, manning the SDSPA booth, assisting with a planned children’s activity, participant registration, photography of the event, or other relevant activities. Participation is welcome at events within your community and around the state. If you are already attending an event and would like SDSPA materials to bring, please contact us. Email Us
- Grant Writing Team – In close relationship with the Board, interested members provide assistance in finding relevant funding sources, drafting a narrative, establishing budgets or proof-reading grant applications. Email Us
- Legislative Action – Members document issues of importance to specialty growers and follow relevant actions pertinent to these issues during the legislative season. Includes participating in efforts to move legislative action and position statements forward. SDSPA will provide support by sharing provided updates with membership. Email Us
- Research – Interested in participating in on-farm research or have a research idea? Let us know! Email Us
- State Fair Showcase – Producers can manage a booth displaying their business and products during Value-Added Ag Day at the State Fair in Huron. Optional presentation and demonstration opportunities also available. Email Us
- Tour Host – Host a tour on your farm to teach others about your production, processing or marketing knowledge. Support is also welcome for those interested in assisting with event marketing, registration, and photography of the events. Email Us
- Website Planning – Provide input and content for producer product (industry) pages on the SDSPA website. The pages provide an outreach tool for product sourcing, production and regulatory information, and awareness of supporting organizations. Feature articles for our newsletter and content development for other supporting areas of expertise are also welcome. Email Us
- Board Membership – Members guide SDSPA towards a sustainable future by long-term planning of the organization, shaping governance and financial management policies, and ensuring that our organization has adequate resources to advance its mission. This team also assists in directing contractor work. Email Us
If you have other interests or requests for networking groups or involvement, please contact SDSPA.