Northern Crops Institute received the 2011 Service to Exporters Award at the 2012 Global Business Connections Conference in April. North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple, on behalf of the North Dakota Trade Office, presented the award.

The honor is given to one organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting North Dakota exporters and increasing the state’s international business. John Crabtree, Northern Crops Institute assistant director, accepted the award.

“Northern Crops Institute has consistently provided opportunities for North Dakota exporters through their significant exposure to buyers and processors around the world,” says Dean Gorder, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office. “The North Dakota Trade Office looks forward to continuing and expanding this great relationship.”

The conference, sponsored by the North Dakota Trade Office and its network of international business partners, included an exhibition and seminars addressing global marketing, organizing for global growth, market assessment, export finance and risk mitigation.

Northern Crops Institute supports regional agriculture and value-added processing by conducting educational and technical programs that expand and maintain domestic and international markets for northern-grown crops. The institute is funded by the states of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and commodity groups in those states and Montana. Since opening, Northern Crops Institute has hosted buyers and visitors from more than 128 nations.