On Tuesday, November 18, Partners on the Plate, a networking/relationship creation event focused on promoting, marketing and connecting rural producers to wholesale buyers including restaurants, institutions, and tourism businesses in Western Montana, took place at the Bitterroot Brewery in Hamilton.
This event was presented by Farm Connect Montana, Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Agriculture & Local Foods Committee, and Abundant Montana, with generous sponsorship by Bitter Root Brewing, Good Food Store, and Montana Farmers Union. This is the third Partners on the Plate event hosted by Farm Connect Montana and the first hosted in Hamilton. A comprehensive directory of products available and buyers needs was provided to attendees.
“With so much incredible food being grown and raised here in the Bitterroot Valley, the Ag & Local Foods Committee is focused on helping those relationships develop between growers and wholesale buyers,” says Kierstin Schmitt, chair of the committee. “By establishing those buying commitments, it allows farmers/producers to rely on those sales and improve their processes and infrastructure while restaurants can promote their support for local farms which is a huge draw for customers.”
Farm Connect Montana is a non-profit organization with a mission to grow a healthy local food community by conserving farmland, supporting farmers, and making food accessible for all.
“We are so excited to be able to bring this event to the Bitterroot. Partners on the Plate is a chance for producers and chefs to connect and build relationships – strengthening our local food system and helping provide the community with delicious local food,” says Mary Ellis, Farm Connect Montana’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program Director.
According to the 2020 Headwaters Economics study, “Economic Value and Impact of Local Food in Montana,” only 3% of the food consumed in Montana is grown here compared to 70% from the 1900-1950s. This study found that statewide wholesale buying from grocery stores, restaurants, and institutions totals $55.9 million with direct-to-consumer sales, like farmers markets, amounting to $42.7 million and total retail value of local food sales across the state is estimated at $158.5 million. Besides the economic impact, many studies have concluded that local products are fresher, taste better, last longer and are better for the environment since they’re not traveling long distances to the consumer. Additionally, Ravalli County citizens proved their commitment to agricultural land preservation when the renewal of the Ravalli County Open Lands Bond passed in 2022.
“I’m always amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit of our ag community,” says Schmitt. “There is so much potential between the products and the people to create a sustainable resilient economy right here in our own backyard.”
The mission of the Agriculture & Local Foods Committee is “strengthening Bitterroot Valley farmers, ranchers and producers through collaboration, advocacy, and promotion to support our economy, preserve open spaces, and honor our agricultural heritage for present and future generations.”
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