By Scout Nelson
The demand for safe, healthy, and sustainable locally grown food is on the rise. Responding to this need, South Dakota’s small and urban farmers are advancing their farming practices to produce nutritious food while enhancing their land and communities.
To support these efforts, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition and its partners have introduced a new website, South Dakota Fresh Connect (sdfreshconnect.com).
South Dakota Fresh Connect is a dynamic online platform designed to connect local producers with consumers. Farmers and farmers markets can register for free accounts and create public profiles to showcase their available products on a detailed map.
This tool allows consumers, restaurants, markets, and other organizations to find nearby sources for the products they need and directly reach out to the producers.
The platform also offers the ability to filter searches by location and specific products, making it easy to find exactly what is desired.
Chris Goldade, a Soil Health Technician and farm owner, emphasized the platform’s impact: “South Dakota Fresh Connect is the ultimate platform for connecting South Dakota consumers with our local, farm-fresh produce. The detailed farm profile allows us to showcase our unique growing practices and the quality of our offerings.” By leveraging Fresh Connect, farmers can introduce new products to local communities and support a robust local food economy.
Beyond facilitating connections, the website provides essential resources and educational opportunities. These tools assist small-scale and urban farmers in improving soil health, increasing drought resilience, and achieving operational sustainability.
The South Dakota Fresh Connect initiative benefits from the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, ensuring that farmers have access to necessary resources and expertise.
The launch of South Dakota Fresh Connect represents a significant advancement in promoting local agriculture and sustainability. By simplifying the process of finding and purchasing locally grown food, the platform not only supports farmers but also strengthens the community’s resilience and sustainability.
As consumers continue to prioritize local and sustainable options, South Dakota Fresh Connect is set to become a vital component of the state’s agricultural ecosystem.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Government & Policy