The Montana Oilseed Advisory Commmittee will meet via Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Zoom Meeting Info:

To join using a computer:  https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/94801685895?pwd=bk8xcjNEcVdxNlFObkI4d0dmZHYyZz09

To join by phone: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999; Meeting ID: 948 0168 5895; Password: 145405

For more information, please call (406) 444-2402 or email danielle.jones@mt.gov. 

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that over $7.5 million in grant funding has been awarded through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) programs. The grants are designed to aid small and medium-sized meat processors in responding to the COVID-19 crisis through the adaptation and advancement of meat processing infrastructure and capacity in Montana.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted how fragile the nation’s supply chain can be, especially when it comes to meat processing,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “It’s crucial that our producers have viable options for getting their meat to market. Investing in meat processing infrastructure will help our Montana producers, strengthen local food systems, and bolster food security for Montanans in communities across the state from Plains to Circle.”

Click to view the list of recipients

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified Thomson International, Inc. of Bakersfield, CA as a likely source of potentially contaminated red onions. Although the investigation has determined that red onions are the likely source of this outbreak, Thomson International, Inc. has notified FDA that it will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination. This recall would include red, white, yellow, and sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. Recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from Thomson International, Inc.

Click to learn more and see recommendations.

Click to view map of reported cases.

USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.

 Helena, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) has received multiple reports from Montana residents that have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have been shipped from China. Individuals are urged to contact the department if they receive a package matching this description. Please contact the Seed Program at (406) 444-3950 or bballensky@mt.gov.  
 

A public hearing will be held on August 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The Montana Department of Agriculture has proposed administrative rules pertaining to the Montana Hemp Research and Market Development Program. The proposal notice, published on pages 1319-1321 in Issue No. 14 of the 2020 Montana Administrative Register (MAR Notice No. 4-20-269) can be viewed on the Secretary of State’s website at https://sosmt.gov/arm/register/.

The hearing will be held in in Room 225 of the Scott Hart Building (302 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601), as well as virtually through the meeting platform Zoom. Concerned persons may submit their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing or send them to the department by 5:00 p.m., August 21, 2020.

For Zoom meeting details please contact Virginia Corbett via email at agr@mt.gov or phone, 444-3156.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today praised Montana companies for pivoting their normal operations to produce cloth face masks, 3D-printed face masks, face shields, surgical gowns and hand sanitizer, and reminded businesses that funding is available to help support masking up.

“Large and small Montana producers have stepped up in a big way to meet the demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Bullock said. “As we ask Montanans to mask up, social distance and remain vigilant when it comes to sanitizing, you can also support Montana-made companies making products to keep our fellow Montanans safe.”

Click to read the full article and view a list of companies making masks and sanitizer in Montana.

MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today issued a directive requiring face coverings in certain indoor spaces and for certain organized outdoor activities in counties currently experiencing four or more active cases of COVID-19 to slow the spread of the virus in Montana.

Click to read the full article.

Click to read the Governor's Directive.

The Montana Oilseed Advisory Commmittee will meet via Zoom at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16th. 

Zoom Meeting Info:

To join using a computer:  https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/96698102415?pwd=NExzbDN6UlZvN0xacTVVTlJvaFg1Zz09; Meeting ID: 966 9810 2415; Password: 976388

To join by phone: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999; Meeting ID: 966 9810 2415; Password: 976388

For more information, please call (406) 444-2402 or email danielle.jones@mt.gov. 

The Agriculture Development Council will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, July 21st at 12:00 p.m.

To join using a computer:

https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/94904787745?pwd=QWk0YlVCTFZ6V0w5TzJTVlBYS3pTdz09; Meeting ID: 949 0478 7745; Password: 712561

To join by phone:

+1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999; Meeting ID: 949 0478 7745; Password: 712561

Click to learn more about the Agriculture Development Council.

On July 16, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing in Room 225 of the Scott Hart Building, at Helena, Montana, as well as virtually through the meeting platform Zoom to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of the rules referenced in MAR Notice No. 4-20-268. In the matter of the amendment of ARM 4.9.402 and ARM 4.21.402 and the adoption of New Rule I and New Rule II pertaining to Violations in Commodity Reporting.

Both proposal notices and their public hearing information can also be viewed at the Secretary of State’s website at: https://sosmt.gov/arm/register/.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Online:  https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/91007552635, Meeting ID: 910 0755 2635

Dial by Telephone: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 406 444 9999, (Meeting ID: 910 0755 2635) or find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/ad7unpPJWA

For additional information or assistance with or the virtual meeting details, please contact Virginia Corbett by email at agr@mt.gov or by phone at (406) 444-3156.