MFU commitment to regional food systems highlighted during Convention

When Montana Farmers Union members sit down for meals during the grassroots organization’s 110^th Annual State Convention later this month, they will be eating food grown and produced by their neighbors and fellow members.

More than 20 MFU member producers are highlighted on the menu throughout the event as part of MFU’s commitment to strengthening local food systems. MFU has consistently sought to source food for its events from Montana producers, has helped facilitate the creation of two meat processing cooperatives in the state, and has advocated for policies that would increase Montana grown and produced foods on local grocery store shelves and strengthen farmer’s markets.

“Montana is a state where agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we have some great locally grown foods being produced right here in the state that we want more Montanans to see in our markets,” said Rachel Prevost, who serves as MFU’s executive director. “MFU is wholly dedicated to working on food security and that means supply chain resiliency. Being able to buy and source locally raised foods being grown and processed in our communities is a large part of rural and food system resiliency. From policy advocacy and cooperative development on food system issues to our Convention sourcing, MFU is committed to that mission.”

Producers providing food items for the Convention include: 41 Grains, Badger Hill Orchard, Boja Farm, Bausch Potato Inc., Chance Farm, Deer Creek Meats, Eugene’s Pizza, Galley’s Brewing Company, Harlow Ranch Bison Company, Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell, Highland Harmony Farm, Kalispell Kreamery, The Keyes Ranch, Lewistown Flour Co., Many Pines Mountain Roastery, Montana Silver Springs LLC, Montgomery Distillery, Natural Pork & Beef of Montana, Rodi Farm, Township Road Farm, Tumblewood Teas, Wickens Ranch, Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream, and Wild Horse Lavender.