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The Montana Food and Agricultural Development Center (FADC) Network helps Montanans innovate and grow businesses that produce and commercialize food, agricultural and renewable energy products and processes, creating wealth and jobs in our communities and on our farms and ranches. The centers - located throughout Montana - operate as a statewide network serving community-based businesses.
The centers support economic development by ensuring that more of the state's food, agricultural and energy dollars circulate in Montana. The network provides training, coaching and technical assistance, including:
- Product development, testing and analysis
- Regulatory compliance training
- Food processing
- Business planning and development
- Market research
- Business networking
- Access to financing
- Cooperative development
- Education on industry dynamics and technologies
*NEW!* Food and Agriculture Development Center Program Application Now Open
The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the FADC Program. $1,100,000 in funds are available for the two-year period of this grant. MDA plans to award multiple grants from these funds. Eligible entities must be registered as a nonprofit organization and have documentation on file with the Montana Secretary of State’s office. Activities must develop Montana’s food processing infrastructure, support emerging agriculture technologies, or enhance opportunities to expand Montana’s agricultural economy.
See the full funding opportunity here:
FADC Request for Proposal Apply Here
A Technical Assistance call will take place on April 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm.
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Abundant Montana is a connection to the land, to our neighbors, and to those committed to using locally-grown food in their businesses. How our food is produced and the distance it travels determines the prosperity of our communities and the health of our landscapes.
Montana Resources
- NCAT - National Center for Appropriate Technology - Sustainable Agriculture Emphasis
- Montana Department of Agriculture: Growth Through Agriculture Grant & Loan Program
- Montana Department of Livestock: Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau, 406-444-5202; Milk and Egg Bureau, 406-444-9761
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: Montana Processed Food Manufacturers Statutes; Food and Consumer Safety Section, 406-444-2408
Business Resources
- Agricultural Marketing Resource Center: a national information resource for value-added agriculture
- Idaho Department of Agriculture: Starting a Specialty Foods Business
- Iowa State University: Ag Decision Maker
- Food Industry Market Maker: A national partnership of land grant institutions and state departments of agriculture
Food Regulation and Entrepreneurship Resources
- The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (AAMP): Assistance for very small to mid-sized meat processors. The network offers free webinars on small-scale meat and poultry processing issues, providing online and in-person resources and information.
- Help for small meat plants. USDA has a Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) small meat plant help desk designed to be a one-stop shop for plant owners and operators seeking information and guidance. Call 1-877-374-7435 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or email at infosource@fsis.usda.gov
- For educational resources and links about meat processing visit American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP)
- Washington State Department of Agriculture - Small Farm and Direct Marketing Handbook: Regulations and Strategies for Farm Businesses in Washington State
- Penn State University Food Science Program: Information for food entrepreneurs and consumers
- The American Institute of Baking: Correspondence courses on food facilities and sanitation
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