MDA honors Northland Organic Foods as outstanding contributor to Minnesota agriculture - 2007 Excellence Awards Recipients Announced
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Gene Hugoson recently announced the winners of the sixth-annual MDA Excellence Awards. The awards honor innovative leaders in the agricultural community for achievements in environmental stewardship, international marketing of agricultural products, and promotion of Minnesota agriculture.
Commissioner Hugoson praised the recipients for their outstanding contributions of time and talents to maintain and build Minnesota's agriculture industry.
"Every day there are members of Minnesota's agricultural and food industry behind the scenes making important contributions that benefit us all," Commissioner Hugoson said. "We want to show appreciation to them and encourage others to follow their examples."
The MDA's Excellence Award for international marketing of
agricultural products went to Northland Organic Foods of St. Paul, its
President Peter Shortridge and International Marketing Director Amy Nankivil.
Northland Organic has been in the organic food business since 1991. Since
Northland shipped its first containers of organic soybeans to Japan nearly 17
years ago, the company now exports its raw materials and ingredients to 18
countries around the world. Quality products, a commitment to customer service,
a focus on long-term relationships, and an aggressive marketing plan have
contributed to the success of their international sales.
Northland has heavily invested in global marketing through its long term advertizing campaigns, participation in international tradeshows, and attendance at conferences, speaking engagements and meetings. Northland’s staff members are collectively fluent in seven languages, making direct contact with the company for many customers as simple as picking up the phone. Northland recently updated its company website and sponsors a website called Seed to Plate (www.seedtooplate.com), a non-profit informational blogsite dedicated to providing a forum for the discussion of agricultural, environmental, and artistic issues with the goal toward solutions and action.
Northland Organic Foods is also committed to “Giving Back and Building Up,” providing both resources and time to support over 30 well-deserving organizations that they believe make a positive contribution towards improving the environment and promoting education and sustainable agriculture. As Northland Organic continues to grow its international business, they look forward to continuing to promote healthy food, produced in a sustainable manner, while giving back to the producers and the environment.
Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Northland Organic Foods Corp.