Resources
New Research
In March of this year, nationally-recognized food system analyst Ken Meter of Crossroads Resource Center completed a study of western Montana's regional food economy, and presented his findings at community gatherings in Kalispell and Ronan. With standing room only, it was clear there is great interest in his research. According to Meter's study, 73% of western Montana's farms and ranches reported net losses in 2007, and that they earned $76 million dollars less by selling commodities in 2008 than they earned in 1969. Despite this gloomy picture, there are reasons for optimism as farmers and consumers in western Montana are innovating ways to recreate our regional food and farm economies to the point where direct farm-to-consumer sales in that region are 3.5 times the national average. Meter's research gives us goals, such as encouraging Montana consumers to purchase only 15% of their food directly from producers in order to generate $66 million in new income for local farmers. Read 
highlights of his research [PDF/200KB], or view slides from 
Meter's presentation. [PDF/6.05MB]
Redeveloping a Montana Food Processing Industry: The Role of Food Innovation Centers
by Jessica Babcock
This professional paper aims to increase understanding of food innovation centers in order to contribute to the discussion surrounding the desired redevelopment of a Montana food processing industry. The eleven food innovation centers examined here offer facilities for food processing and testing, and many include technical assistance for marketing, business development, and regulation compliance. The research objectives are threefold: 1) explain both the historical and contemporary context of food processing in Montana, 2) describe and analyze what other states and provinces are doing with regard to food innovation centers, and 3) utilize the research findings to make recommendations for how food innovation centers may or may not address identified needs regarding food processing in Montana. The report concludes by outlining recommendations and options for establishing a food innovation center network in Montana. 
Read the Full PDF Report » [PDF/575K]
Montana Food System Research Now Available
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Moving Boxes Closer to Home: The Role of Sysco Corporation in Food System Localization Masters Thesis by David Scott Kennedy. [PDF/369K] |
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Building a Better Local Food System: A Case Study of Western Montana Growers Cooperative, Summary of Masters Thesis by Beth Neely, The University of Montana's Environmental Studies Program. [PDF/449K] |
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New Study! "Mobile Processing: Appropriate Technology for Pastured Poultry Producers" This professional paper by UM environmental studies graduate student and poultry producer Sarah Stokes explores the ins and outs of small-scale poultry processing in Montana, including regulatory requirements. In particular, she studies the potential of a mobile processing unit, including case-examples from other states. The paper is available in PDF format here. [PDF/1.0M] |
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Grow Montana Strengthening our Food and Agricultural Economy A PowerPoint presenation outlining what Grow Montana has been learning about the exciting potential of a Montana-based food system, and about what kinds of things we’re finding needs to happen to build on that potential. [PPT/1.83M] |
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Headwaters RC&D and Beaverhead Economic Development Corporation explore the feasibility of local beef processing. [PDF/284K] |
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Brian Halweil's Food Democracy, from the Heifer International publication, reveals the increasingly negligible power and influence of every-day eaters in a globalized food system, and provides hopeful glimpses into communities creating an alternative model that is more inclusive of all people--a food democracy--through locally-based food systems. [PDF/116K] |
Marcia Herrin's and Joan Dye Gussow's Designing a Sustainable Regional Diet: A Montana Model, describes the potential of our state to be nearly self-sufficient with a nutritious diet year-round. Long-forgotten historical food and agriculture data supports their thesis and provides fuel for the current debate about Montana's food system. [PDF / 602 KB]
For more information on federal-level policy work promoting community-based food systems, explore the "Farm and Food Policy Project: A collaboration to promote a more fair, progressive farm bill."
Lappe on HomeGround Radio
During her recent visit to Montana for Missoula Community Food and Agriculture Coalition's Harvest Fest, Anna Lappe spoke about local food, economics, national and international policies, and the relationship between all three with Brian Kahn for Home Ground Radio. You can also hear it online for several weeks after the broadcast.
More information on Anna Lappe.