ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 3, 2009

STATE'S COMMODITY GROUPS TO DISCUSS JOINT EFFORTS

BISMARCK – Representatives of 12 North Dakota commodity groups will meet Tuesday in Bismarck to discuss mutual efforts to promote and market agricultural products.

“This is the first-ever, annual joint meeting of the state’s commodity groups,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, who called the meeting. “Representatives of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) will also participate.”

The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Doublewood Inn, 1400 E. Interstate Ave.

Goehring explained that a new state law, NDCC 4-01-06, requires the commissioner to schedule the annual meeting.

“It is a good idea,” Goehring said. “The groups have similar programs and goals, and they often represent the same producers. It is also an opportunity for the agriculture department and the trade office to learn how they can better serve the industries these groups represent.”

Participating commodity groups include the North Dakota Barley Council, the North Dakota Beef Commission, the North Dakota Beekeepers Association, the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, the North Dakota Dairy Promotion Commission, the North Dakota Dry Bean Council, the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council, the North Dakota Oilseed Council, the North Dakota Potato Council, the North Dakota Soybean Council, the North Dakota Turkey Federation and the North Dakota Wheat Commission. All the listed groups are authorized by the Legislature to receive check-off dollars from producers.

Goehring said the agenda includes presentations by NDDA business development staff on the current situation for North Dakota agricultural exports and on the department’s 2010 plans for trade shows and trade missions. An NDTO representative will discuss the agency’s 2010 plans and projects.

The afternoon session will include presentations by the 12 commodity groups and summary.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov.