In an effort to grow more interest in local foods, production and small business, the Red River Regional Council has schedule a one-day field trip from Grafton to Rolla on July 15. The RRRC is in the process of evaluating establishing a kitchen incubator to be headquartered in Grafton to assist in growing local food based businesses.

“We have numerous foodpreneurs in the areas that could be matured into larger businesses by providing affordable, collaborative commercial space,” said Dawn Mandt, Executive Director. “These food-based businesses also enhance our quality of place and attract more people to the area by providing unique product lines. We want to learn more about the role we can play to assist these types of entrepreneurs in the region.”

The RRRC has planned a one-day field trip to Rolla to visit and learn more about local foods and a year-round business model. Hosting the Rolla event is Danielle Mickelson, owner of Lena’s Fresh Farmer’s Market. Mickelson continues to grow this business in downtown Rolla by providing fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, canned vegetables, and featuring other local vendors with limited hours of operation on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mickelson is also the Rolla Job Development Authority Director.

The field trip will include education on the following topics:

• how to grow a food-based businesses
• resources for local foods and agri-tourism projects
• how local foods can grow into a year-round business
• foodpreneur opportunities for all ages
• how local foods can become a win/win for small towns
• how to assess the market for gaps and pricing
• marketing strategies
• helping food producers follow the law

The details:

• depart Grafton at 7:00 a.m. and return by 6:00 p.m.
• $25 registration fee covers transportation, lunch, and education session
• limited to 10 registrants
• Contact Jake Weinsch, Developer, at 701-352-3550 or jake@redriverrc.com to register