Finding Her Calling: How FARRMS Internships Have Shaped Local Food Careers in North Dakota

Jenna Nieters, the Local Foods Marketing Specialist with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), is a driving force behind strengthening North Dakota's local food systems. Her journey into this impactful career path began with a "life-changing" Farmers Market Internship through FARRMS. "I didn't have much direction or desire for my future path, but it felt like everything fell into place after the internship," Jenna shares.

In 2021, Jenna participated in the FARRMS Farmers Market Internship program, where she was placed at BisMarket in Bismarck. There, she assisted the market with social media and outreach, aiming to encourage more vendors and customers while promoting SNAP/EBT benefits. Her efforts, and those of the internship program over three years, saw the number of customers visiting the market increase by an impressive 59%.

Reflecting on her experience, Jenna writes, "I enjoyed getting to know and befriending the many local farmers and food producers who are so passionate about what they do and about supporting their community. I grew up in Bismarck, but it never felt like my community until I spent time as an intern with FARRMS at the BisMarket." She adds, "I wouldn't have even known local foods was a career path I could follow before the internship. It gave me purpose."

Jenna envisions a future with more local processing facilities, food hubs, producer cooperatives, and local grocers. She believes the key to achieving this is by supporting existing small businesses and encouraging collective action among producers. "There's nothing anyone can do alone, but there's nothing stopping any of us when we work together," she says. She credits FARRMS for connecting farmers with essential resources, education, and support, especially in rural areas. This fosters collaboration and empowers producers to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring long-term viability for North Dakota's agricultural landscape.

At the NDDA, Jenna oversees a variety of crucial initiatives, including the Farm to School program, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Local Foods Specialty Crop programs, and Hunger Free ND Gardens. Currently, Nieters is excited about several projects. The Farm to School program is developing a video showcasing North Dakota farmers' dedication to schools and the importance of teaching children about local food sources. The Hunger Free ND Gardens initiative, in partnership with Great Plains Food Bank, aims to collect 150,000 pounds of fresh produce for food pantries. Additionally, a cooking demonstration tour is planned for the summer and fall, featuring local chefs and North Dakota's specialty crops.