ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 24, 2009

DIRECT FARM SALES HANDBOOK NOW AVAILABLE

BISMARCK – The newly-published “Farm to Market, North Dakota’s Guide to Selling Local Food,” a handbook of direct farm marketing, is now available from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA).

“The growth of direct marketing of agricultural products across the nation and here in North Dakota has been remarkable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Agricultural producers are increasingly using farmers markets, direct sales to restaurants and institutions, on-farm stands and other direct marketing tools and techniques to sell their produce to consumers.”

Goehring said the 36-page booklet is a valuable reference both for experienced direct marketers as well as for producers considering direct marketing.

“The information in this handbook ranges from sales tax permits and other tax issues to food safety regulations,” he said. “Each section also includes contact information for appropriate state and local agencies.”

The publication can be downloaded from NDDA’s website at  www.agdepartment.com/ Programs/LocalFoodsInfo.htm.   Print copies are available by contacting the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 602, Bismarck, ND  58505-0020; phone (800) 242-7535; email: ndda@nd.gov.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.