USDA and MDA Invest in Small Montana Farm Projects

Montana Awards $677K to Boost Local Food Infrastructure

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has awarded $677,670 to ten projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI).

This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of the middle segment of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems across Montana.

“Through this program, we can directly invest in our small and mid-sized producers so they can keep more of what they earn, bolster our state’s food system resiliency, and keep rural dollars in our rural communities,” said Director Jillien Streit. “This is a direct investment into the backbone of our economy.”

The funding will support infrastructure improvements for small and mid-sized agricultural operations. Among the recipients:

• Trust Land Farm in Missoula will use the funds to acquire equipment to expand its soup production capabilities.
• Cold Springs Organics in Belgrade will purchase a grain color sorter to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Harlequin Produce in Arlee will invest in vegetable cleaning and packing equipment.

These grants are part of a broader $420 million national investment under the RFSI program, funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The program is designed to build capacity in the middle of the supply chain and support producers through cooperative agreements with state agencies and departments involved in agriculture and food systems.

This funding represents a strategic effort to support rural economies and ensure a more resilient and sustainable food infrastructure.