USDA and Montana Join Forces to Boost Local Food Supply Chains: Discover Key Projects Enhancing Your Community’s Infrastructure

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest $677,670 into ten local projects. This funding comes from the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) and aims to strengthen our food supply chains.

According to Director Jillien Streit, this initiative helps small and mid-sized producers keep more of their earnings and support their communities. “This is a direct investment into the backbone of our economy,” she noted.

The funding will enhance the infrastructure needed in the middle of the supply chain, making it easier for local farmers to thrive.

Here are some of the funded projects:

• Trust Land Farm in Missoula plans to buy new equipment to ramp up its soup production.
• Cold Springs Organics in Belgrade will acquire a grain color sorter, boosting quality and efficiency in its operations.
• Harlequin Produce in Arlee is set to purchase equipment for cleaning and packing vegetables.