The list of organizations below all offer something unique to rural community development and the agricultural sector. We recommend subscribing to their newsletters, checking out their events, and engaging with them as much as possible to ensure you’re staying informed of the most current news and opportunities for food system involvement.
The Food and Agriculture Development Center (FADC) Network
The Montana FADC Network supports innovation, growth, development and expansion of businesses that create and sell food, agricultural, and renewable energy products. This helps generate wealth and job opportunities in our communities and in the agricultural sector. The FADC centers are spread across Montana and work together as a statewide network, serving local food and agriculture businesses.
Montana Department of Agriculture
If there was ever a one-stop-shop for food and agriculture resources, it’d be the Dept of Ag. Bookmark this website and use it as a primary resource.
Western MT Growers’ Cooperative (WMGC)
The WMGC is a producers cooperative that bridges the gap between producers and various markets throughout Western Montana and beyond. Check out the WMGC case study at the bottom of the page.
Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC)
CFAC focuses on food access, farmer support, and farmland conservation. They are an excellent resource for farmer training programs.
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
A national organization that began as a sustainable resource and expanded to include sustainable agriculture. NCAT’s mission is rooted in sustainability serving underserved communities and creating a more sustainability, inclusive and diverse future in all forms.
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)
An affiliate non-profit of NCAT focused on providing multimedia resources and information on sustainable agriculture for farmers, ranchers, and educators.
Western Agriculture Resource Center (WARC)
WARC is an extension of Montana State University and conduct agriculture research aimed to benefit local producers and food systems. They are one of the best sources for growing resources and troubleshooting tips.
MSU Food Lab
The MSU Food Lab is an extensive food systems research program whose work extends beyond Montana and throughout the globe. They offer various food-based degree programs and are an incomparable resource for food-based research. MMFEC has partnered with the MSU Food Lab to host research projects to benefit value-added specialty crop sectors. Check them out at the bottom of the page.
Farmers’ Union
A grassroots non-profit centered around preserving agricultural culture and providing support for rural communities. They offer grants, scholarships, education, legislative representation, a meat processing coop, community memberships, and more.
Hopa Mountain
A non-profit dedicated to “investing in rural and tribal citizen leaders who are improving education, ecological health, and economic development” to improve communities across Montana.
Alternative Energy Resource Organization (AERO)
A grassroots organization acting as a network of collaborative communities to promote sustainable agriculture and responsible climate impact models and resources statewide. Check out AERO’s Food System Resource Library for all kinds of resources regarding Montana food system assessments, projects, toolkits, educational materials, and more.
Abundant Montana
An affiliate of AERO that acts a marketing resource for food and farm businesses to connect consumers to producers. Producer of the Local Food Guide.
Montana Farm Bureau Federation
A grassroots organization and largest statewide agricultural association acting as a representative voice for rural communities to improve agricultural sector and natural resource industry through education, program services, and political activism.
OSU Food Innovation Center
An Oregon State University affiliate acting as a resource to advance the northwest food industry through technical assistance, product development and analysis, food science and product testing.
Farm Commons
An incredible legal resource for agricultural businesses.
MSU Extension
An educational resource for agriculture and natural resources.
Montana Agricultural Business Association
A membership based association for agribusinesses to share resources and information.