Innovate ND
On March 3 Marv and Ilene were notified they were named one of 23 finalists in the Innovate ND competition, with their certified organic greenhouse idea using renewable energy to operate it. The competition began in September 2007 with 78 ideas. Innovate ND is a contest that rewards entrepreneurs for their innovative efforts. Presentations were made on May 19 and on May 20, winners were named and rewarded with prizes. Although North Star Farms wasn't a monetary winner, the creator of Innovate ND told Marv and Ilene they finished in the top 10. This is the second year for Innovate ND, which is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce. 

Marketing
They both strongly believe educating the public about the health benefits of organic produce is as important as growing and marketing produce. When they started North Star Farms in 2004, they grew "natural" vegetables, hence the slogan "naturally grown prairie produce." It was for their own use because they didn't want food grown with chemicals and synthetic fertilizers. That concept continues growing in western North Dakota, where more people are becoming concerned about their health and what they eat.

Photography
Not only do Marv and Ilene believe in providing a healthier food alternative to the public, they want visitors of this Web site to get a glimpse of the four seasons of natural beauty found in northwestern North Dakota. All of the photographs used on this Web site are their own and no "canned" pictures will be used.