Region 2 Community Input Meeting

Souris Basin Planning Council and FARRMS invite the public to a community meeting on October 5, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm at North Central Research Extension Center in Minot, ND (5400 US-83, Minot, ND 58701). Come at 5:00pm for a meal and networking opportunity with the meeting beginning at 5:30pm. Additionally, there will be a remote participation option and a survey to gather information from attendees. Please RSVP if you plan to attend in person or remotely by October 2, 2023. 

These organizations are collaborating to stimulate economic opportunities across Region 2 and aid in the creation of a more diversified and resilient food system under the USDA Regional Food Business Centers program. We invite anyone who is involved in producing, processing, aggregating, distributing, or marketing local food in (Region 2) Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Ward counties to join the meeting. This includes farmers and ranchers, Extension agents, grocery store owners, farmers market vendors and managers, school nutrition professionals, food pantry staff and volunteers, restaurants and more.

Souris Basin Planning Council will host the community meeting for Region 2, with conversations centered around what is needed to grow local food businesses and strengthen local food production in the region. The organization aims to gather insight that addresses the following questions;

• What local food businesses are in our region? 
• What ideas and plans do you have to grow local food businesses? 
• What do you need to succeed? 
• What barriers are there and how can they be addressed? 
• What unique opportunities are in your region? 
• How can Souris Basin Planning Council and FARRMS help?

The North Central Regional Food Business Center (NC-RFBC) focuses on expanding small and mid-sized agricultural value chains in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota along with providing coordinated planning, technical assistance, and financial support. The goal is to support smaller, more resilient farm and food practices and strengthen local food businesses, specifically focusing on the development of critical infrastructure for small and mid-size livestock processing, fruit and vegetable processing and warehouse space and storage operations. The partnering organizations will create regional and statewide action plans for local food systems, connect local food businesses to supportive resources, and offer Business Builder grants to support local food value chains. The center is funded by the USDA for five years from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028.

Learn more about Souris Basin Planning Council https://www.sourisbasin.org/ or follow them on Facebook & Instagram @sourisbasin. Discover more about FARRMS' programs on their website at www.farrms.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @farrms.nd.