The 2026 Summit - the first in a decade - will build a strategic roadmap to increase the percentage of Montana food bought in-state from 3% to 33% by 2033.

The Summit brings Montanans together to celebrate progress made in Montana's food and farming, build networks, and develop collaborative action plans that grow and strengthen Montana's supply chain.

Ag In the News

Why Montana ranchers are wary of Trump’s beef tariff strategy

Proposal seeks to rezone Missoula official's former property

Fair Parade brought back from brink

Irrigation Leader Magazine

Lightning strike kills 220 sheep in Montana

Researchers studying honeyberries in the Bitterrroot Valley

Local rancher speaks to Helena students about public lands

Hotter, Drier: How Climate Change Is Changing Montana Gardens

These Times - Flathead Beacon

Judge bars West Side Ditch users from low flow diversions

People flock to Swanson's 'u-pick' despite spring freeze impacting harvest

‘Just rough’: Montana fruit growers blame extreme weather for reduced harvest

Alberton Apple Festival seeks to reduce bear conflicts

Hi-Country Snack Foods workers owed $20K in lost wages

Looking for:

Montana Grown Apples?
Apple and Cider Events?
Orchards with U-Pick?

Follow Buy Montana Apples on Facebook and Instagram.

Find orchards near you here!

Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

What It Is

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.

Due December 31st

Interested in learning more? Click here.

Wanting to apply? Contact Coral Maxwell if you're in Ravalli or Missoula County

Bitterroot Chamber

Ag & Local Foods Committee

Interested in meeting other farmers, ranchers, producers, or local food enthusiasts? Come to the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce's Local Ag and Food Committee!

We meet the last Tuesday of the month at 4:00pm. Locations vary. Stay up to date here.

Grant And Loan Opportunities

Grant Program for Agriculture Workers in Montana

Employment and Training Services

Rural Employment Opportunities (REO) provides The National Farmworker Jobs Program grant for farm, ranch, greenhouse, and other agricultural workers. Applicants must have worked in agriculture sometime within the past 2 years and fall under our income guidelines per household size.

Our state-wide grant funding is used to help agriculture workers gain training in almost any area of their choosing. The most common, but never limited to, training choices seem to be CDLs, welding, mechanics, EMT, QuickBooks, farrier, farm/ranch management, and a variety of other short-term trainings and certifications. We also have a few students who are attending college courses in a degree program or changing career fields to support their families in programs such as Business, Nursing, Forestry, Teacher Education, Electrical Lineman, Engineering, and Veterinary, and other programs.

REO is able to support each participant with needed items for training or new employment such as tuition assistance, books, laptops, fuel vouchers, work clothing, and/or tools to help reach their goals.

Contact Lacey to learn more

Learn more here

View the FAQ here

Business Acceleration and Marketing (BAM) Program

The Montana Department of Agriculture is excited to offer the GTA Business Acceleration and Marketing Program (BAM), to support businesses entering expansionary phases of growth and to aid in the access, development, and expansion of new markets. Funds are available now and are awarded on a quarterly basis, in the order the application is received, until funds are expended. These funds are to:

Help businesses access and develop new and existing markets.
Support businesses in overcoming market barriers
Expand businesses' digital/web offerings
Fund projects still in early expansionary phase of development
Support startup businesses in minimizing time to profitability.
Offer expanding businesses the ability to establish groundwork for capital expenditure.
Accelerate new, innovative products up to commercialization.

Award Amounts:

Grants up to $10,000, 50% cost-share over a one-year grant period.

GUIDELINES

APPLY

Agritourism Grant Program

Purpose: The purpose of Agritourism Grants is to assist Montana’s rural and tribal agricultural businesses and communities and to promote diversification and support in Montana. Commerce's Destination MT Division will administer Agritourism Grants in accordance with these guidelines.

Grant Amount-

Up to $50,000 on a reimbursement basis.

Match is not required for Projects up to $10,000.

A 1:1 Match is required for Projects between $10,001 and $50,000 and must be met on each request for funds. Up to 25% of required Match can be In-kind.

Guidelines: Click HERE for the program guidelines

Due Oct 22nd

Montana Native Plant Society Grant Program

The Montana Native Plant Society is currently accepting grant proposals to fund projects that stimulate research, conservation, and educational activities that help foster an appreciation for Montana’s native plants and plant communities. These grants are intended to promote native plant conservation through better understanding of our native flora and the factors affecting their survival.

Maximum Award Limit: $2,500

Application Deadline: Oct 31, 2026

Guidelines: Click HERE for the program guidelines

Questions? Email Grace!