BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has appointed Amanda Godfread as the department's local foods specialist.

Goehring says Godfread will organize and conduct regional meetings and an annual statewide conference to further develop the local foods initiative.

Godfread will prepare informational and promotional materials, provide technical assistance to communities and coordinate efforts of farmers, buyers, suppliers and local governments. She'll also work as a writer, publication designer and website editor.

The department's local foods initiative is funded through USDA's specialty crop grant program.