Partners

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) works closely with its partners. The organization supports specialty crop producers by connecting them with resources, markets, networking, and educational training opportunities offered by a wide range of state government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

The department’s mission is to protect and preserve South Dakota’s agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance. This vision is a South Dakota with a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.

https://danr.sd.gov/

Natural Resources & Conservation Services- South Dakota

NRCS and S.D. Specialty Producers have formed a partnership to build the capacity of local partners’ knowledge to develop and implement effective strategies in supporting producers in the building of a sustainable local food system. The partnership will incorporate conservation and wise use and management of natural resources that is sustainable both for producers and the environment. The goals of the partnership include connecting and engaging urban and rural local food segments to build a cohesive sustainable food system for S.D. that align with NRCS practices.  The groups also will develop a variety of educational opportunities, resources and tools that increase the knowledge of industry partners and producers.

Value-Added Agriculture Development Center (VAADC)

Since 1999, the Value-Added Agriculture Development Center has been providing education and technical assistance to individuals, groups, and communities, successfully helping to develop and expand cooperatives and other ventures that enhance the quality of traditional commodities and spur the introduction of new products. The VAADC works with approximately 30 value-added agriculture projects on an ongoing basis across South Dakota and is considered the go-to place for agribusiness development in the state. The VAADC stands ready to help you make your idea a reality.

SDSU Extension

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension’s local foods programming supports production and sales outlets for farmers. Additionally, efforts help strengthen communities by stimulating the local economy and creating entrepreneurial opportunities, and provide access to consumers seeking fresh products. Nutrition and Health, Food Safety, Tribal Local Foods Program, Community Vitaliy, and Horticulture specialists and field specialist share their expertise in multiple programs. Topics include Farmers Market operation and regulations, Farm to School, Dakota Food Rx, Production, Safety, Communication Gardens, Agritourism and more.

Dakota Rural Action

Building homegrown prosperity since 1987

With a goal to “get more South Dakotans eating more food grown by South Dakota farmers,” grassroots family agriculture and conservation group Dakota Rural Action has been advocating for the state’s family farmers and ranchers for more than 25 years. DRA is based in Brookings and maintains a West River field office in Rapid City.

DRA’s current programs and activities include Farm Beginnings, SD Local Foods Co-op, five community-based chapters, a net metering campaign, and Farm to School. For more information, go to dakotarural.org.

DRA’s Local Foods Directory

Dakota Rural Action also publishes The South Dakota Local Foods Directory, its consumer guide to eating locally. Now in its sixth edition, the directory is a comprehensive resource to help you find local produce, meats, cheeses, wine, beer, plants, and much more. For more information and to request a copy of the printed edition, see sdlocalfood.org.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development

USDA has over two dozen programs to help build local and regional foods systems. Whether you are an individual farmer looking to extend your growing season, a cooperative of growers looking to rebuild a food hub, a farmers market that wants to accept SNAP benefits, a community kitchen that needs cold storage or store locally procured meat, or anyone in between. Information on programs can be found on our website or contact your local USDA Service Center.

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society (NPSAS)

NPSAS’s constituency is farm families and others interested in sustainable agriculture. In its more than 35 years as a grassroots educational organization, NPSAS has worked to:

  • Advocate for better federal and state farm/food policies.
  • Help Northern Plains farmers convert their farms to organic systems.
  • Increase the region’s land grant research in organic and sustainable agriculture.
  • Protect the integrity of the organic label.
  • Promote healthy trade relationships in the organic industry.
  • Develop local food systems.

NPSAS members are located primarily in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana, as well as in the neighboring states of Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

For more information, please refer to NPSAS.org.

Black Hills Chapter of Professional Chefs

(American Culinary Federation)

ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and programmatic accreditation designed to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs. The Black Hills Chapter often authorizes Continuing Education Hours to professional chefs who participate in relevant local food programming. Click here for more information on ACF Black Hills Chapter.

South Dakota Department of Tourism

The South Dakota Department of Tourism’s mission is to maximize Tourism’s impact on our economy by increasing domestic and international travel to our state. One way we can do that is by putting a spotlight on some of the agritourism related activities,  events and experiences that can give our visitors an authentic South Dakota vacation. Locally grown foods, farmers markets, and wellness and rural activities make up an important part of our state’s agritourism experience.

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