Encouraging schools and individuals to use locally produced products, including ones they grow themselves, may be assisted given a recent effort from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
The department announced it has a new Mobile Food Processing Unit, which was funded by a number of organizations in the state. Those who use farm equipment, community gardens and schools in the state will be able to tap into its services, which it provides with its portable kitchen.
State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said that the MFPU will help promote North Dakota's farm products and other foods.
"We expect that one of the first uses will be to work with schools interested in extending the local harvest by processing fruits and vegetables for use during the winter," Goehring said.
The state recently opened a model farm in Ukraine in order to help promote is farm equipment and agricultural products in the European country. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada recently held a meeting during which the countries' representatives talked about reducing trade barriers for producers.
As a result of the meeting, a high-level group will be formed to further investigate the matters discussed.
North Dakota showcased mobile food unit
A mobile kitchen may help people in North Dakota preserve food in increase interest in local products.