Producer Starter Kit
Using this Toolkit
This toolkit was created by Montana State University Extension Pollution Prevention Program in 2013. The information included in this toolkit does not represent the opinion or endorsement of Montana State University Extension, nor does MSU Extension attest to the accuracy or completeness of any items. This toolkit is based on “Marketing Local Food” a guide produced by the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. Thank you to all those who contributed to the toolkit including Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Western Sustainability Exchange, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Organic Association, and many others. Special thanks to Tarra Culbertson, Montana State University, for researching and compiling price comparison data.
The intention of this toolkit is to provide Montana food operations with recent research and current Montana examples of “best practices” within the agricultural arena to support infrastructure development and capacity building to add value to Montana’s food supply chain. This toolkit is a launching point and provides resources in a variety of areas to get started in localizing food production and processing. Each section includes an introduction, discussion of benefits and considerations, and a list of valuable resources. The organizations whose materials are included in the toolkit offer additional excellent resources that provide specific recommendations based on type of operation, production practices, and other needs. Montana State University Cooperative Extension staff hold a wealth of information, provide many services, and locate relevant research. Contact your County Extension Office for additional information.
Let us know how you are using the toolkit. Contact Jennifer Grossenbacher, MSU Extension Pollution Prevention, at jenniferg@montana.edu or (406) 994-3451.
Why Sell Locally?
It is no secret that demand for locally sourced food is on the rise. Farmers markets have blossomed in Montana and nationwide over the past decade, increasing from 16 markets in 2000 to 78 in 2012 in Montana. Individual consumers to school districts are increasingly interested in supporting local agriculture. Individuals are even more likely to visit a restaurant if it serves local foods. Clearly, selling to local markets is a growing business consideration whether you produce unprocessed agricultural products such as grains, produce, or livestock or make value-added goods such as cheese, baked goods, or beverages. There are many different avenues to accessing local markets, each comes with benefits and challenges.
The conventional food system increasingly relies on long-distance transport, resulting in food traveling farther from farmers to consumers.2 Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in locally sourced foods and the production methods of those foods.2 Selling locally gives producers the opportunity to connect with consumers, fueling interest in local food, and aiding in pollution prevention by providing in-season food that doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles from farm to plate.
Localizing food production can have positive economic, health, and environmental impacts. Communities can benefit from increased employment within their region due to local food systems.2 Further, localizing food systems can play a part in reducing negative environmental effects.2
Montana’s Food and Agriculture: Problems, Solutions
Grow Montana
http://www.umt.edu/dining/Sustainability/Farm_to_College/FTC_Docs/GrowMT_prob_sol_low.pdf
Local & Regional Food Systems Publications
ATTRA
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/local_food/
Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts & Issues
USDA Economic Research Service
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err-economic-research-report/err97.aspx#.Ua_OBOvufKQ
Self Assessment
The first step in deciding to expand your business or pursue a specific market is to assess your current situation and capacity, future goals, and desire and ability to expand or change. Consider the following questions:
- What markets can you currently access easily?
- What market opportunities are available in your area outside of your current sales?
- Do you want to sell your products locally and why?
- Are you interested in selling directly to institutions?
- Do you want to add value to your products through processing?
- Do you need additional labor, equipment, etc. to be able to access the desired market?
- What resources do you need to understand and enter the market?
A little research goes a long way for entering a new market and avoiding challenges down the road. Talk with producers already selling in the desired market. How did they overcome or avoid costly mistakes? Locate and talk with your local Extension Agent, who can provide information and resources. Find the nearest MSU Extension office online.
Marketing Local Food Guide – Self Assessment
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
Link to Document: Marketing Local Food_SA.pdf
Mapping
An important tool in assessing your market potential is food systems maps. You can get a better sense of your local markets both from potential buyers as well as competition and partners by using food systems maps. While none of these maps are completely comprehensive, they provide a great start.
Montana Food System Mapping Project
Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) and Montana Department of Agriculture have created an interactive food system database and map that show market information relating to local food, such as your area’s local food producers, processors, retailers and other food distributors and outlets. These interactive maps can help illuminate and prioritize the gaps in regional and statewide food value chains, and to identify the opportunities for filling those gaps. Take a minute to check out the maps and think about how to connect the food system pieces in your area.
- View instructions on navigating the maps. It may be helpful to print or save these instructions on your computer, as the following link will take you directly to the mapping program.
- Open the mapping program on your computer.
Note: After opening the mapping program on your computer, refer back to the download able instructions where you will start at Step 3.
Farm to Institution Database & Map
The Farm to Cafeteria Network has created a database of institutions that reported having farm to institution programs in 2013 as well as a map and searchable database of producers interested in selling to institutions. The database is updated on a regular basis and accepts additions and corrections. If selling to institutions is of interest, provide or update your information to the Farm to Cafeteria Network.
Farm to Cafeteria Program Database: http://farmtocafeteria.ncat.org/2013-montana-map/
Producer Database: http://farmtocafeteria.ncat.org/producer-database/
Abundant Montana
AERO maintains a database of their member producers. This searchable database includes information regarding production practices, in addition to business and contact information.
http://www.aeromt.org/abundant/
Food Hub
This online marketplace and directory connects food buyers, sellers, distributors, and other players in the food system. You can use this platform to identify similar operations, locate potential buyers, and list products for sale.
Routes to Selling Locally
There are many opportunities to sell your products in local markets. They can be categorized by the relation to the end consumer with two such methods being direct and intermediate marketing. Consider the advantages and challenges to each of these markets in relation to your current and future business goals.
Direct
Direct marketing refers to sales directly to the end consumer of the product.
Examples include farmers markets, CSA, U-Pick, farm/roadside stands, and internet
sales. Direct sales are a small, but growing, percentage of total agricultural sales.2
According to the 2007 USDA Agricultural Census, $6,321,000 in direct sales were made
by 1,287 Montana food producers.
Generally, direct marketing your products will require significant marketing effort and expenses, have smaller yet more numerous transactions, and a high interaction with customers. Farmers can receive a higher price when selling directly to consumers and may develop strong customer loyalty through direct interaction. However, be sure to compare the price you receive and costs of direct marketing to your current marketing strategy. Direct marketing can require additional marketing costs such as sign-age, websites, advertising, and packaging. Below, Table 1 provides a comparison between prices received for direct-marketed goods versus commodity prices.
Table 1: Comparison of Prices Received from Farmers Through Direct and Commodity Markets
Product
|
Direct Marketed Price Received by Montana Farmers
|
USDA Reported Average Price Received by Farmers
|
---|---|---|
Apples, 1lb. (certified organic) |
$2.00 |
$0.82 |
Apples, 1lb. (conventional) |
$0.70 |
$0.60 |
Cherries, 1lb. |
$2.25 (certified organic) |
$1.41 (conventional) |
Carrots, 1lb. |
$1.00 - $3.00 |
$0.27 |
Potatoes, 1lb. |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
$0.12 |
Beef, 1lb. |
$3.10 - $4.53 |
$2.43 - $2.67 |
Soft White Wheat, bushel (60lbs.) |
$34.80 |
$6.42 |
Sonora (heritage white spring) & Farro (ancient spring) Wheat, bushel (60lbs.) |
$3.50-$4.00/lb ($210 - $240/bushel) |
$.10/lb ($6.42/bushel) |
Direct market prices reflect a range of production and marketing practices. Cherries and apples were reported by certified organic producers (as specified in the chart); certified organic products generally receive higher prices than products that are not certified organic. Carrots, potatoes, beef, and wheat reflect products that are not certified organic. Direct marketed prices are a range of estimates from 2012 that were developed from personal communication with multiple Montana producers. Direct marketed beef prices reflect sales of custom-processed animals rather than sales of retail cuts. To compare direct marketed beef (custom-processed animals) prices from Montana producers to commodity beef prices, the custom-processed animal weights (live weight or hot carcass weight) were converted to their retail cut price. The USDA converts live animal weight by multiplying that weight by 2.4, and hot carcass weight (un-chilled weight of the carcass after slaughter and the removal of the head, hide, intestinal tract, and internal organs) is multiplied by 1.51. Direct marketed wheat prices reflect sales based on bushels (60lbs) for an easier comparison to commodity market prices. Few producers in Montana sell whole kernel wheat to the end consumer, however those that are able to direct market wheat receive significantly higher prices than in the commodity market. Also included in the chart is an example of a Montana producer that grows ancient and heritage wheat varieties. Unique wheat varieties can receive significantly higher prices. |
Certified organic apple prices were reported on the AMS Market News report by bushel cartons loose (48 pounds) and were converted to a per pound price. Non-organic apple prices were reported by 5lb. bags, this was converted to a per pound price. Cherry prices were reported by 18 pound cartons bagged and were converted to a per pound price (certified organic cherry prices were not available). Carrots were reported by 25 pound sacks loose and 50 pound sacks loose and were converted to a per pound price. Potatoes were reported by 10 pound film bags and were converted to a per pound price. Commodity fruit and vegetable prices paid to farmers come from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Market News. View prices paid. The AMS Market News site allows users to browse reports by commodity, report type, or publication. Customized reports were created to access comprehensive pricing and market information for cherries, carrots, potatoes, and certified organic and non-organic apples. The reports represent annual price averages received by producers for the year 2012 by shipping point averages. Origins of each product were selected on a regional basis (Northwest U.S.) including an average of all varieties, sizes, and grades. |
Commodity beef prices paid to farmers come from the USDA Economic Research Service calculations based on Bureau of Labor Statistics and USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Data. View Meat Price Spread reports. Beef prices are the range of average monthly prices received by farmers in 2012. The dollar amounts represent average wholesale prices in 2012; the farmer receives less. Commodity wheat prices paid to farmers were retrieved from the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crop Production, View Agricultural Prices. U.S. season-average prices are based on monthly prices weighted by monthly marketing in the year 2012. |
Direct marketing through CSA shares, farmers markets, farm stands and other venues offer an opportunity for producers to implement reusable packaging for share members and customers to transport their produce. Asking, encouraging, or even requiring customers to use reusable bags, boxes, or other packaging is an important part of pollution prevention as approximately one-third of all landfill waste comes from product packaging.
Direct Marketing Resources
Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
http://www.agmrc.org/business_development/operating_a_business/direct_marketing/
Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing
Drake Agricultural Law Center
http://directmarketersforum.org/
A General Guide to Pricing for Direct Farm Marketers and Value-Added Agricultural Entrepreneurs
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1803.pdf
Montana Farmers Markets Resources
Montana Department of Agriculture
http://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/FarmersMarkets/index.html
Understanding Farmers Market Rules
Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc.
http://www.flaginc.org/publication/understanding-farmers-market-rules/
Producer Profile - Prairie Heritage
Location: Power, MT
Farm Size: Total farm size is 30 acres, with 25 currently in production
Livestock: Heritage, pasture-raised turkeys
Products Available: A variety of vegetables, heritage and ancient grains, and heritage turkeys
Products Sold Through: Direct to consumer through winter and summer CSA shares, direct purchases of heritage turkeys, and wholesale to local businesses
Prairie Heritage Farm was started by Courtney and Jacob Cowgill who returned home
to farm in Central Montana for the communities that raised them. Prairie Heritage
is certified organic and diversified in vegetable production, ancient and heritage
grains, and heritage turkeys. Jacob and Courtney not only follow strict organic standards
but also experiment with other methods of sustainable agriculture. An example of one
of their farming methods is incorporating turkeys into the vegetable garden to help
fertilize and as a means for weed and pest control instead of relying on synthetic
chemicals. The Cowgills plan to potentially integrate sheep in the future as well
to utilize their fertility and weed control.
The Cowgills see the challenges but also the opportunities of farming in Central Montana
when trying to expand their market and the demand for fresh, local products. Jacob
believes if you’re interested in eating locally or sustainable, you need to understand
the food system and all of your food choices within that system.
Download the printable profile
Intermediate
Intermediate marketing puts a step between the producer and the end consumer. Intermediate markets include restaurants, grocery stores, institutions, brokers, distributors, and collaborative marketing efforts. Generally, selling at this level requires a more consistent supply of product, ability to deliver, and in some cases, adherence to additional policies such as carrying product liability insurance.6, Benefits of selling into intermediate markets is the potential to sell a larger volume of product in fewer orders than directly to consumers. This section covers selling to institutions, restaurants and retailers, collaborative marketing and aggregation, and brokers and distributors.
Selling to Institutions
“Farm to cafeteria” or “farm to institution” programs have greatly increased over the past few years. In Montana, the University of Montana operates the UM Farm to College program, purchasing approximately $800,000 of local products from 80 Montana food producers. Further, as is evident by the increase in support and resources from the USDA, farm to school (kindergarten – 12th grade) is becoming a viable market for a growing number of producers. According to the Farm to School Census, 43% of schools nationwide are participating in some form of farm to school programming, spending over $350 million in 2011-12 on local foods Montana schools reported spending $956,304 on local foods during the 2011-12 school year, including apples, beef, carrots, milk and potatoes (the top five local purchases in Montana).
Institutions, such as schools, can provide a steady, high volume, yet lower price market.8 Institutions, from hospitals to schools to prisons, typically have tight budgets and are usually unable to significantly change the prices of their meals. Many large food service operations plan far in advance, even up to a year, so having consistent supply is important. Further, establishing a strong relationship and maintaining clear communication with the food service manager is vital to success in this market.
With support for farm to cafeteria purchasing on the rise, there are many publications and resources to guide producers through the process and requirements.
Farm to Cafeteria Manual for Montana
Farm to Cafeteria Network
http://farmtocafeteria.ncat.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FTC_Manual_090313.pdf
Montana Farm to School & Buying Local Food Guide for Schools
Office of Public Instruction, Montana Team Nutrition Program
Farm to School and Farm to School Census Data
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-school
Bringing Local Food to Local Institutions
National Center for Appropriate Technology, ATTRA
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=261
Farm to Hospital Report and Toolkit
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
http://www.iatp.org/issue/farm-to-hospital
Selling to Restaurants and Retailers
Selling to restaurants and retailers can be similar to institutions. Building a relationship with the buyer, conveying the quality of your products and services, and a commitment to consistency are important for all markets including restaurants and retailers. However, there are unique opportunities and challenges to selling to restaurants and retail stores. Do a little research before approaching restaurants for the current trends, their menu offerings, and what type of products you can offer. Start with independently owned restaurants, as they generally have more flexibility in menus and purchasing.6
Selling Directly to Restaurants and Retailers
University of California
http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/sfs/files/selldirect.pdf
Tips for Selling to Grocery Stores
National Center for Appropriate Technology
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=387
Producer Profile: Gallatin Grown
Location: Manhattan, Montana
Year Founded: The vegetable farm was founded in 2012; the family farm it sits on has been in the
family since the 1800s
Farm Size: 8 acres surrounded by 640 acres of family farm and ranch land
Livestock: Small herd of sheep that eat cover crops and help fertilize
Products Available: Vegetables
Products Distributed Through: Several local Montana schools, on-farm U-Pick, Market Day Foods, local grocery stores and local restaurants
Conni Mahoney is a 5th generation farmer on her family’s land. Conni and her husband, John Mahoney, began Gallatin Grown as a small vegetable farm on part of her family’s larger ranch and farmland. Farming is important to them because they are able to provide fresh vegetables to their community that enables community members to live healthy lifestyles. Being part of a supportive, welcoming community has benefited Gallatin Grown as a new farm in Montana.
Gallatin Grown was started on the principle of providing healthy food without use of chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. In their dedication to conservation, they employ techniques such as crop rotations, cover crops, water conservation, drip irrigation, compost to replenish soil, and sheep to eat cover crops and fertilize the land.
Download the printable profile (.pdf)
Cooperative/Collaborative Marketing and Aggregation
Larger businesses and institutions may find that small producers cannot fulfill their high quantity orders. It may be easier for them to order multiple products through one system, business, or organization rather than work with producers individually. In this case, producer cooperatives or collaborative marketing efforts can be helpful in accessing larger markets that need simple ordering processes, professional customer service and accounting, reliable delivery, and consistent supply.
Producer co-ops, aggregators, and/or food hubs may provide participating producers additional services beyond marketing and distributing products. Some producers prefer to maintain their farm’s identity and “brand.” Depending on the model, grower co-ops, aggregators and food hubs may use a new identity or retain a farmer’s “brand.”
Food Hubs
Wallace Center and Food Hub Collaboration
The Role of Food Hubs in Local Food Marketing
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/supportdocuments/sr73.pdf
Tips for Selling to Aggregators/Grower Marketing Co-ops
National Center for Appropriate Technology
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=402
Brokers & Distributors
To reach additional markets, and especially larger distributors and companies, you may consider working with a broker. A food broker has relationships with customers, sales and marketing expertise, and knowledge of the process and pricing of working with distributors and companies. Typically, brokers are paid by commission from a percentage of sales, which adds costs to your business, but may also secure new opportunities.
Distributors, like producers, work in a wide range of markets and exist in a variety of sizes and business structures. Large distributors have a wide customer base and sell a variety of products. Many food service operations, including institutions and restaurants purchase many of their food products and supplies from such companies. Smaller, regional or local distributors may be able to work with small producers looking to sell specifically to customers within their region. Working with a distributor may provide a streamlined method for producers to sell their products to many customers without having to have additional in-house staff. Distributors often require product liability insurance, nutrition labeling, and consistent packaging and quality.4
Tips for Selling to Produce Brokers
National Center for Appropriate Technology
https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=426
Marketing Local Food Guide – Brokers and Distributors
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
http://tinyurl.com/mn-marketing-local-food
Producer Profile: Amaltheia Organic Dairy
Location: Near Bozeman, MT at the base of the Bridger Mountain Range
Farm Size: 20 acres with 150 adjacent organic acres for grazing livestock
Livestock: 300 goats & 100-200 hogs each year
Products Available: Pork meat, goat milk, organic certified goat cheeses, vegetable CSA
Products Sold Through: Multiple grocery stores in Bozeman, Market Day Foods, Farmers Markets, CSA shares, and distributed across the country
Amaltheia became certified organic through the USDA and the MT Department of Agriculture
in 2005. Having a diversified farm has helped the Browns utilize byproducts and use
sustainable practices whenever possible. Whey, a byproduct from the cheese making
process, is used to feed the hogs that are raised on the farm. Goat manure, a byproduct
from raising 300 goats ever year, is turned into compost that is used on the land
for fertilizing crops. In 2008 and 2009, Amaltheia was awarded EcoStar awards for
their efforts in helping to create a more environmentally and economically sustainable
Montana.
The farmers at Amaltheia appreciate and enjoy the support of their community. Sue
Brown describes the benefits of farming in Montana as the support she feels from Gallatin
Valley, the entire state of Montana, and from Senator John Tester and other Montana
representatives that support small farms. She encourages youth to investigate where
their food comes from and how it was grown, “Healthy food is part of a healthy lifestyle,
and if you’re going to live a nice long life you need to eat healthy.”
Download the printable profile (.pdf)
Additional Resources & Considerations
Tools for Scaling Up
To be able to access markets such as institutions, restaurants, brokers or distributors, you may need to scale-up production or change the way that your agricultural business operates.
Wholesale Success: A Farmer’s Guide to Food Safety, Postharvest Handlings, Packing and Selling Produce
Family Farmed
Printed Manual and In-person Workshops
www.familyfarmed.org/wholesalesuccess/
AgPlan: The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Small Business Planning Website
University of Minnesota
Montana Food and Agricultural Development Centers
Montana Department of Agriculture
Havre, Joliet, Ronan, Butte
http://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Development/FADC/index.html
Regulations – Local & State
Montana Department of Agriculture
(406) 444-3144
Montana Department of Livestock
http://liv.mt.gov/default.mcpx
(406) 444-9431
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Food & Consumer Safety
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/fcs/
(406) 444-2408
Contact Your County or Tribal Health Department (Sanitarian)
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/phep/countytribalhealthdepts.shtml
Food Safety
Good Agricultural Practices Training & Resources
Cornell University
Produce Safety Alliance
Cornell University
http://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/
Checklist for Retail Purchasing of Local Produce
This short checklist can be presented to institutions and restaurants to demonstrate your food safety practices.
Iowa State Extension
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2046A.pdf
On-Farm Food Safety Project
Family Farmed
Create an on-farm food safety plan
Food and Consumer Safety Regulations & Resources
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/fcs/
Montana State University Extension Food and Nutrition
Food safety information and assistance
http://www.msuextension.org/nutrition/
Benefits and Recognition
EcoStar Award Program
As a producer are you taking environmentally responsible steps to reduce waste, maximize efficiencies, reduce solid and hazardous waste, conserve energy and water, improve air qualityand/or create a more sustainable business model? If so, the EcoStar Awards Programcan give you much deserved public recognition to help set you apart from the rest.
- EcoStars are honored by the Governor at an awards ceremony at the Capitol in Helena.
- EcoStars are featured in press releases distributed to newspapers, magazines and trade publications statewide.
- EcoStars receive a plaque of recognition, window decals, and a camera-ready copy of the EcoStar logo for use in company advertising.
Below are a few agricultural case studies of recent EcoStar Award recipients.For more information or to apply for this annual award, visit http://www.mtp2.org/ecostar.html or contact Jenny Grossenbacher (406) 994-3451.
Cold Springs Ranch, Bozeman, MT
Cold Springs Ranch’s owner, Nathaniel Powel-Palm, is the youngest certified organic rancher in Montana. CSR is committed to providing Gallatin Valley with the healthiest, tastiest grassfed beef with the smallest carbon footprint. CSR believes that keeping food local eliminates the unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels and reduces pollution. In 2012 CSR saved over 638,000 gallons of irrigation water; 19,738,971 BTUS of energy; averted .528 metric tons of CO2; and saved $3,985 through their P2 efforts.
Amaltheia Organic Dairy, Belgrade, MT
Amaltheia Organic Dairy is a family owned and operated sustainable goat dairy and cheese facility. The dairy has been organic since 2005 and is working towards zero emissions, utilizing all by-products from the dairy. In addition to organic goat cheese, Amaltheia raises organic, pasture raised pigs to utilize the whey (a byproduct of making cheese) and sells organic compost, which utilizes the manure. Due to their P2 efforts they save over 12,000 BTUs, 624 gallons of fuel, and 15,000 gallons of water annually. Additionally, they reduced 1,300 lbs of hazardous waste and saved over $4,000 per year due to their pollution prevention efforts.
Garden City Harvest/PEAS Farm, Missoula, MT
Garden City Harvest is a non-profit organization founded in 1996. The GCH mission is to build community through agriculture by growing food with and for low-income Montanans; offering education and training in ecological agriculture; and using farm and garden sites for the personal restoration of youth and adults. GCH uses ecologically responsible agricultural practices; farms without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; participates in city-wide composting efforts; uses alternative fuels and grows more than 20 tons of produce each year for local consumption. The PEAS Farm barn is straw bale construction and is powered by solar energy.
Goddard Land & Cattle LTL, Inc, Reed Point, MT
Goddard Land & Cattle LTL, Inc. is a third generation family owned/operated business in Reed Point, MT. GLC created LTL Custom Manure Service, which provides area feedlots with custom clean out, hauling and manure application services, as well as a system for documenting manure application and soil nutrient levels. Annually, through the windrowing of livestock manure in pens, LTL has cut fuel consumption and engine emissions in half; offset use of 130 tons of nitrogen fertilizer and 98 tons of phosphorous fertilizer; and composted over 300 tons of manure. These pollution prevention efforts have saved LTL over $132,000.
Networks
Several networks exist through the state to keep producers and food and agriculture related professionals connected. These e-mail based networks provide a conduit for sharing information and locating assistance.
Montana Agricultural Pollution Prevention Listserv
Montana Pollution Prevention Program, MSU Extension
https://sympa.montana.edu/sympa/info/mtagp2connect
Farm to Cafeteria Network
Montana Food and Ag
http://lists.ncat.org/mailman/listinfo/montanafood_ag
Sustainable Agriculture & Agriculture Pollution Prevention
MT Agriculture Pollution Prevention (MT Ag P2)
E3 in Montana Agriculture
Pollution Prevention Tips
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/tips.htm
National Center For Appropriate Technology - ATTRA
MSU Extension Publications
An Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Sustainable Farming
http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT200813AG.pdf
From Conventional to Organic Cropping: What to Expect During the Transition Years
Natural Resources Extension Program
http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/natural/natural.htm
Switching to Organic Comparison Spreadsheets
Montana Department of Agriculturehttp://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Organic/FarmingSystemsComparisons/
On-Farm Energy Consumption Estimation Tools
USDA National Resource Conservation Service
http://energytools.sc.egov.usda.gov/
Land EKG
Land monitoring solutions
References
- DeYoung, Montana Department of Agriculture, personal communication, October 3, 2013.
United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (2010, May). Local food systems concepts, impacts, and issues. Retrieved from:www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodMarketingSystem - National Restaurant Association. (2013). 2013 Restaurant Industry Pocket Factbook. Retrieved from: http://www.restaurant.org/Downloads/PDFs/News-Research/Factbook2013_LetterSize.pdf
- Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. (2007). Marketing local food (updated 2007). St. Paul, Minnesota.
- United State Department of Agriculture (2009). 2007 Census of Agriculture United States summary and state data. Retrieved from:http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/usv1.pdf
- Washington State Department of Agriculture. (2010). Small farm & direct marketing handbook.Retrieved from http://agr.wa.gov/Marketing/SmallFarm/DOCS/056-SmallFarmAndDirectMarketingHandbook-Complete.pdf
- W. Hahn, personal communication, Nov. 29, 2013.
Marsh, K. & Bugusu, B. (2007). Food packaging – roles, materials, and environmental impacts. Journal of Food Sciences. 72(3); 39-55. Retrieved from:http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00301.x/pdf - National Center for Appropriate Technology. Tips for selling to: institutional markets.Retrieved from: https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=399
- University of Montana. (2013). Farm to college program. Retrieved fromhttp://life.umt.edu/dining/sustainability/FTC_2013_onward.php
- United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. (2013). National overview. Retrieved from: www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/census#/national
- United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. (2013). Montana.Retrieved from: http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/census#/state/mt
- United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. (2013). Food hubs: building stronger infrastructure for small and mid-size producers.www.ams.usda.gov/FoodHubs
- National Center for Appropriate Technology. Tips for selling to: aggregators/grower marketing coops. Retrieved from: https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=402
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center. Are food brokers right for you? Retrieved from: fapc.okstate.edu/files/factsheets/fapc130.pdf