Food & Ag Development Centers
The Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center (FADC) Network exists to help Montanans innovate and grow businesses that produce and commercialize food, agricultural and renewable energy products, and processes. The FADCs support local businesses to create wealth and jobs for our communities, farms, and ranches while expanding Montana’s value-added agriculture industry. They meet businesses where they are to identify needs and connect them with resources to thrive. The Centers - located throughout Montana - operate as a network serving community-based businesses, agricultural producers, and food entrepreneurs. The Network works as a team – if one doesn’t know the answer to a question, they know someone that does. By accessing a Food & Ag Development Center, businesses are accessing statewide connections, national resources, and business support tailored to their business. TA services are offered at no charge.
Business planning and development
Business networking – statewide, nationally, and internationally
Access to financing
Grant application support
Farm to School Program support
Regulatory navigation
MDA program support
Other areas of expertise among the Network include (but are not limited to):
Product development, testing, and analysis
Market research
Food safety training
Cooperative development
Education on industry dynamics and technologies
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
- Visit Abundant Montana
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