Statewide summit looks at local food and agriculture

The Grow Montana Coalition is set to host the third Governor’s Summit on Local Food and Agriculture on Oct. 23 - 24 in Helena.  

Held every 10 years, the summit brings together Montanans from all sectors to assess the current state of local food and farming, and to identify opportunities to strengthen the food system, build networks and action plans that support future growth.

 The future of agriculture in Montana is dependent on the profitability of the producer, according to organizers. The 2026 Governor’s Local Food and Agriculture Summit aims to focus on designing a strategic plan to expand Montana markets for Montana-produced food from its current state of 3% to at least 33% in the coming decade. 

 “A more resilient, self-reliant, and accessible food system keeps more food dollars in Montana, supports rural communities, and improves nutrition and food security for all Montanans,” states the Grow Montana Coalition. 

The 2026 Summit will be a two-day event held at the Marriott Helena Colonial Hotel. Through a combination of keynote speakers, panels, and plenary and breakout sessions, the Summit agenda will detail the current state of local food and agriculture and future opportunities. Through collaboration, the Summit will pinpoint what’s working, where the gaps are, and develop plans for bridging the gap between Montana’s current state and its desired future. Furthermore, yearlong post-summit activities will provide regular virtual connection, follow up on commitments to action, and support for ongoing challenges. 

“By gathering as an industry, we can learn, discuss, and hone in on practices that focus on feeding our local communities, which is vital to the agricultural ecosystem here in Montana,” said Director Jillien Streit of the Montana Department of Agriculture. “Aiming to bolster our state’s food system resiliency while keeping rural dollars in our rural communities is a direct investment into the backbone of our economy,” continued Director Streit.  

Four core themes will steer conversation and agenda topics - Healthy Food, Healthy People, Resilient Markets and Economy, Healthy Soil, and Strong Communities. The theme Healthy Food, Healthy People is defined as expanding access to Montana-grown whole foods to support farmers, reduce food miles, and improve overall health.  

Resilient Markets & Economy focuses on growing local and regional markets to create good jobs, boosting farm income, and building a more self-reliant and shock-resistant food economy. Healthy Soil applies to supporting regenerative and climate-healthy agriculture to ensure long-term productivity, land stewardship, and food security.  

Lastly, Strong Communities pertains to investing in local food systems, strengthening rural economies, fostering social connection, and building resilient, place-based infrastructure. 

 According to a Highland Economics 2022 study, Montana residents spent $5.2 billion on food in 2021, yet only $158 million (about 3%) was spent on food produced in the state. Additionally, the Journal of Food Distribution Research 2021 study stated that, “increasing that share to 33% would redirect hundreds of millions of dollars into Montana’s economy each year.” Local food spending has a strong ripple effect: for every $1 spent, an estimated $0.47 of additional economic activity is generated.   

“We look forward to welcoming producers and industry leaders to Helena later this year to celebrate and support Montana’s number one industry,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “Our farmers produce the highest-quality products that feed the world. Through collaboration, we will continue to promote innovation and opportunities to expand markets that strengthen our operations and boost local economies, now and into the future.” 

 For more information, visit growmt.org/3rd-governors-summit-on-local-food-agriculture/.