Dakota Growers Pasta

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Cities Developing Urban Agriculture Codes

Urban agriculture has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to deal with vacant properties, revitalize neighborhoods, and provide job skills and nutrition to local residents struggling with poverty and a lack of access to fresh produce.

In Austin, Texas, a working group of the Sustainable Food Policy Board is meeting to clarify and update city code related to urban farms, livestock, size of farm, employees and dwellings, according to the Austin Chronicle.

The working group has been holding public sessions to gather input from urban farmers and community members about pending updates to the urban farm ordinance.

In April 2013, the Flint Farmers' Market reported that the Detroit City Council adopted the city's first urban agriculture zoning ordinance recognizing agriculture as a legitimate land use and setting standards for it.

Other cities working to update or create urban agriculture codes include Boston, Massachusetts;
Fort Collins, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon.

For more information, see USDA's National Ag Library webpage on Urban Agriculture.

Home » Business Development » Interviews & Presentations » CEO Interviews » Dakota Growers Pasta

Interview with Tim Dodd, President and General Manager*

View Video of the Entire Interview (17:48 min)
View Transcription of the Entire Interview

I. Introduction  (Video - 1:13 min) (Transcription)

II. History and Background  (Video - 3:38 min) (Transcription)
        - Origins of the company
        - Revolution of the industry
        - Evolution of the organization

III. Stockholders' Incentives and Expectations  (Video - 1:33 min) (Transcription)
        - Ownership structures
        - Expected return for members

IV. Farmer Benefits of Dakota Growers Pasta  (Video - 0:58 min) (Transcription)
        - Effect on stability of members
        - Dealing with member problems

V. Types of Market Products  (Video - 2:23 min) (Transcription)
        - Dry Pasta production capacity
        - Locations of operations
        - Segmentation strategy

VI. Competitive Forces Impacting the Pasta Industry  (Video - 1:03 min) (Transcription)
        - Overcapacity of the market
        - Comparative advantage of Dakota Growers Pasta

VII. Identified Strengths and Weaknesses  (Video - 1:18 min) (Transcription)
        - Producer-based company advantages
        - Vertical integration advantages
        - Price variability
        - Unbounded natures of the market

VIII. Future Opportunities  (Video - 3:12 min) (Transcription)
        - Importance of alignments in the future
        - Competitive advantage of the firm

IX. Determining the Feasibility  (Video - 2:09 min) (Transcription)
        - Beginning a new business
        - The importance of a management team

X. Summary  (Video - 0:25 min) (Transcription)

* Interview conducted by Jeff Katz, Kansas State University.

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