Established 2004
North Star Farms began at Carpio, North Dakota in July 2004 to help supply family and friends with fresh, naturally grown garden produce. Family members liked it so much the plot was expanded to a 1-acre field next to the Des Lacs River that same summer. Here we are in 2010 and we've expanded to 5 acres to keep pace with the demand for fresh, certified organic garden produce.
Rapid Growth
Events in 2005, 2007 and 2009 made it possible for growth and expansion. Grants in 2005 and 2007 from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture helped establish a hometown farmers' market and one in nearby Minot so local residents could purchase local produce. In 2006, Carpio vendors joined a network in northwestern North Dakota called North Prairie Farmers Markets that has grown from four to 10 markets in three years. Last year, North Star Farms obtained a $20,000 grant from the Enterpreneurial Center for Horticulture to build a certified organic greenhouse that is as much in demand as the produce itself.
Promoting Better Health
This season, North Star Farms will continue to bring you certified organic selected each week for our CSA shareholders and farmers' market customers. North Star Farms continues promoting a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Location The farm is located 26 miles northwest of Minot, and 20 miles west of the Minot Air Force Base in Ward County. U.S. Highway 52, North Dakota Highway 28 and Ward County Road No. 6 intersect at Carpio. A main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway also runs through town.
49th Parallel Produce North Star Farms is 40 miles south of the Canadian border and 90 miles southeast of the regional Canadian community of Estevan, Saskatchewan. It is located in the Des Lacs River Valley, which runs northwest to southeast from the international boundary to its confluence with the Souris River just outside of Minot.