Shortening the distance between Montana producers and Montana tables can create a food system that is more resilient, fair, and rooted in our communities.
There is no single answer to food insecurity. Lasting progress requires investments throughout the food system—from processing and distribution to fair markets, informed consumers, and dependable access to nutritious food.
Review the ProblemMore appropriately scaled meat, grain, dairy, and produce processing gives producers additional market options and reduces dependence on distant facilities. Cooperatives are great options for rural communities
See Montana Premium Processing →Farmers markets, cooperatives, food hubs, schools, institutions, and local retailers can help more Montana-grown food reach Montana consumers.
Find Local Food Resources →Independent producers thrive when markets offer genuine competition, transparent pricing, and a fair opportunity to earn a living from the food they raise.
Visit Fairness for Farmers →Accurate country-of-origin labeling lets shoppers make informed choices and helps distinguish food raised by American farmers and ranchers.
Learn About Country-of-Origin Labeling →Local partnerships, nutrition programs, food banks, and farm-to-institution efforts help ensure nutritious food reaches families in every Montana community.
Visit Montana Food Bank Network →
Montana farmers and ranchers can raise outstanding food, but communities also need the capacity to process, package, store, transport, and sell it. Strengthening those middle links can:
Look for Montana-grown products, shop at farmers markets, ask retailers where food comes from, and support transparent labeling.
Find ways to buy localBuild connections with processors, cooperatives, institutions, food hubs, retailers, and other producers across the state.
Explore business resourcesSupport infrastructure, practical regulations, nutrition programs, and policies that strengthen local and regional food systems.
Find your representativesEnter your Montana address to find your MFU board member and ambassador, along with your state and federal elected officials.
Who Represents Me?Learn why Montana Farmers Union supports mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and how clear labels benefit producers and consumers.
Learn About mCOOLMontana Farmers Union is a grassroots organization working for family agriculture, rural communities, fair markets, education, and producer-owned cooperatives.
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