The department offers many resources to help grow Montana businesses and rural communities while adding value to Montana-grown crops and livestock.

• The department oversees a network of Food & Ag Development Centers that offers training in business planning, commercial food preparation, food safety, farm-based energy development, and other topics.
• The Growth Through Agriculture grant and loan program provides resources to food and agriculture-related businesses. Staff also provide training and assistance in domestic and international marketing with other development agencies.
• The department facilitates loans to beginning farmers and ranchers, and offers small loans to agricultural youth involved in programs such as 4-H and FFA.
• The department administers the Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant program. The grant program is designed to assist counties, local communities, researchers, and educators in their efforts to solve a variety of weed problems in Montana.