Food & Ag Development Centers
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
Agriculture Development Council
Quarterly Meeting and FADC App Review
The meeting will be held 8:30 am, June 9, 2023 at the Yogo Inn (Gypsum Room) in Lewistown, MT.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/83130076337?pwd=cE9QSDRhcUJHem1WbDQrcWRobDhTdz09
Meeting ID: 831 3007 6337
Password: 631922
Dial by Telephone
1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 831 3007 6337
Password: 631922
Find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/kcMmtYKleJ
Join by SIP
Join by H.323 (Polycom)
162.255.37.11##83130076337
Visit the Abundant Montana Directory
& Interactive Map
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
Contact