Registration now open for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo

Registration is now open for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo North Dakota The event will bring together grocery operators community leaders and experts to explore strategies that support rural stores and expand access to healthy food

Registration is officially open for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit, set to occur from May 5 to May 7 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, North Dakota. This biennial gathering focuses on initiatives that strengthen rural grocery stores and expand access to nutritious food in rural areas.

Event Sponsorship and Hosting

The summit is sponsored by North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and hosted in partnership with:

• Kansas State University
• University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives

History and Purpose

Since its beginning in 2008, the National Rural Grocery Summit has provided a platform for:

• Grocery store operators
• Community leaders
• Food suppliers
• Academic researchers
• Stakeholders involved in healthy food access
• Policymakers and funding representatives

The event emphasizes networking and knowledge sharing, focusing on approaches to maintain and grow locally owned and rural grocery stores across the United States.

NDSU Extension Involvement

NDSU Extension has supported the Rural Grocery Initiative for over a decade. Through initiatives such as surveys distributed to rural grocery operators, the extension has contributed to legislative support for rural stores in North Dakota. Jan Stankiewicz, community health and nutrition specialist and tribal liaison at NDSU Extension, stressed the significance of providing affordable, healthy food to all residents regardless of location. Hosting the summit in North Dakota allows grocery owners to interact with peers, learn from other rural operators, and participate in tours of successful grocery models without extensive travel.

Summit Program Features

The 2026 summit program will include:

• Keynote presentations from national leaders in rural life and grocery operations
• Over 25 breakout sessions covering diverse topics
• Two evening receptions for networking and collaboration
• A poster session featuring research and innovative programs
• An exhibitor fair showcasing products and services for rural grocery stores
• Four tours of innovative grocery models in Minnesota and North Dakota

Highlighted Panels and Discussions

One key session, led by NDSU Extension, is titled Local Connections: A Grocery Store at the Heart of Rural Community. It will focus on how small-town grocery owners have revitalized their stores through community-focused programs and creative initiatives.

Regional Partnerships and Impact

Rial Carver, program leader for the Rural Grocery Initiative at K-State Extension, noted the collaborative nature of the summit. He highlighted that the Upper Midwest has implemented numerous strategies to support rural groceries, and the summit provides a national stage to display these successes.

Registration Details

Early bird registration is available until March 15, allowing two representatives per store to register for free. After this date, the registration fee is $150 per grocer. Travel assistance is offered for grocery owners, staff, and board members from communities with populations of 2,500 or fewer. Further information and registration are accessible at the summit website: ndsu.ag/grocery-summit.

Conclusion

The National Rural Grocery Summit remains a vital event for connecting rural grocery stakeholders, sharing innovative solutions, and promoting sustainable food access initiatives across North Dakota and the wider United States.

Sources:

• North Dakota State University Extension
• University of Minnesota Extension
• Kansas State University Extension
• Rural grocers invited to register for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.