Regional Food Study Completed
The Regional Food Economy Study, covering an 11-county region of northeastern and eastern Montana, has recently been completed. Great Northern Development Corp., received a $14,000 grant from No Kid Hungry in July 2021, to conduct the study through their Food & Ag Development Center (FADC).
Goals included gaining a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region’s food system; creating a local, equitable food initiative to empower and revitalize diverse communities; reducing food insecurity; and increasing the distribution of Montana-grown food to the region.
Partners in the project included the Montana Food & Ag Development Center Network, Eastern Plains Economic Development Corp., Latta Consultants, and Kate Burnaby Wright.
The study involved the counties of Roosevelt, Garfield, McCone, Valley, Daniels, Fallon, Sheridan, Dawson, Prairie, Wibaux and Carter.
According to the study’s executive summary, each county has its own challenges but also has opportunities. There is interest among some producers to connect with local consumers and residents are interested in locally produced foods.
Key takeaways included:
•Activity exists. There is potential for local/regional food pathways to develop organically from within the community.
•Interest in local/regional food is strong among consumers. There is an opportunity to develop this market through communications and education.
•The majority of farmers/ ranchers in the region produce at a commodity scale. The coordination, support, and facilitation offered by the Eastern Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center, combined with grant-funded planning and R& D, will be invaluable in accelerating the development of added value in the region.
•Small population limits the availability of workers and volunteers. Programs can be offered to support citizen leadership and reward volunteerism.
•Because people have seen failure, skepticism can be strong. Local culture seems to have undercurrent inclinations/ attitudes such as “do it the way it’s been done,” “it’s good enough,” or “that can’t be sustained.” At the same time, there is a tradition of entrepreneurial “can-do” energy and people recognize that change is happening and necessary.
•Eastern Montana FADC can support the development of regional food businesses by continuing to offer collaborative, tenacious leadership.
•Emergency food and for-profit food distribution systems are distinct, but connections do exist.
If you would like to review the final report of the study, contact FADC director Hailey Vine at fadc@gndc.org.
