FOOD AND AG
DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Montana West Economic Development is a member of the Montana Food and Agricultural Development Center (FADC) Network supporting Flathead and Lincoln Counties in Northwest Montana. The 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 support economic development by ensuring that more of the state’s food, agricultural and energy dollars circulate in Montana. We provide training, coaching, access to financing, business planning and development and networking.

Please complete the form below if you are in need of assistance and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Resources and Opportunities

Business Acceleration and Marketing Program

Applications are now being accepted for the the Montana Department of Agriculture GTA Business Acceleration and Marketing Program (BAM), to support businesses entering expansionary phases of growth and to aid in the access, development, and expansion of new markets. Funds are available now and are awarded on a quarterly basis, in the order the application is received, until funds are expended.

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Rural Energy for America Program

The REAP program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

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Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program

The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program provides funding for the start-up, expansion, or operations of independent meat and poultry processing facilities. The objective is to strengthen the capacity for independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.

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Abundant Montana

Abundant Montana connects all the dots of the food system and makes it easy for anyone to find and choose local. Find more than 1,000 farms & ranches, farmers’ markets, food pantries, grocery stores, restaurants & institutions that provide local food, and the processors, distributors, institutions, and organizations that support Montana food systems.

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Made in Montana Tradeshow

Save the Date for the Made in Montana Tradeshow on March 8 and 9, 2024. Discover authentic Made in Montana products at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds. Exhibitor applications are due October 26th.

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Food Safety Tool for Home Producers

AERO and partners have developed a Food Safety Tool for Home Producers to help home-based, value-added producers evaluate and manage food safety risk and implement best practices in their home kitchen operation. You can download a free copy of the tool.

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