Sustainable Agriculture
AERO's approach to program development is grounded in the conviction that communities are the best place to create the kind of change we envision. We believe, and our programs reflect that the best way to affect change is by empowering people in their own communities, to work towards sustainable solutions.
AERO's Vision for Montana Agriculture
By employing the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, AERO’s farmers and ranchers are improving their income while protecting agricultural and natural resources and openly sharing their experiences and findings. Our goals and programs reflect our vision for Montana’s agriculture—for owner-operated, family-sized farms to thrive and for locally-owned, value-added enterprises to revitalize our communities. We want our urban centers to be surrounded by small farms, reconnecting consumers to rural life and land, and to Montana-grown fresh and processed food. We want our grain farmers and cattle ranchers to have access to locally-owned processing facilities, giving them more market options and enabling their neighborhoods, local retailers, restaurants and institutions to be among their customers. We want marketing alternatives that give us prosperity without human or environmental degradation.
Current projects include:
Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign Network AERO is part of a national coalition of partners working with FoodRoutes on community and state-wide Local Food Campaigns. AERO is developing a statewide Buy Local Campaign Network that will leverage and support local campaigns working to promote local foods. The purpose of the network is to:
Link local food campaign efforts to build visibility and effectiveness.
- Make it easier for Montanans to find and purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and poultry, eggs, honey, and other agricultural products.
- Stimulate the economic vitality of Montana by strengthening the viability of family farms and independent businesses that feature local foods.
- Help local businesses highlight their support for local foods.
- Provide communities with information about the many benefits of strong local food systems.
- Build social capital in Montana communities through leadership development, and local project facilitation.
For more information on how to get involved in the Buy Local campaign network click here.
Abundant Montana is AERO’s directory of sustainable growers and retailers from across Montana.. The directory gives consumers who value sustainability and community the means to express their values through their food purchases while supporting the growers, processors and retailers who share their values. We will be working on the 5 th edition of Abundant Montana this spring. AERO organizes cherry, apple, and vegetable “runs” to bring Abundant Montana products to communities across Montana.
Community Local Food Grants Last year AERO supported nine community projects across the state which are working to increase awareness of local foods, and expand local markets. Projects range from Farmers’ market promotions, to researching new products for alternative grains grown in the state, to revamping a restaurant menu to feature local food. In addition to small grant assistance, AERO supports local projects with communications tools and networking opportunities.
How to Start a Farmers’ Market in Montana This spring AERO will publish a manual to assist communities in starting new farmers’ markets. This manual was developed by AERO in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture, and the University of Montana Environmental Studies Program, to help answer common questions communities have when establishing a new farmers’ market. The manual draws on the experience of market organizers around Montana, and features an extensive Appendix that contains sample vendor rules, by-laws, outreach and publicity activities, and many more items that market organizers have generously shared with us. It is our hope that this manual will be a resource to help additional Montana farms, ranches and communities reap the benefits of local farmers’ markets.
Organic Risk Management Workshop AERO, in partnership with Montana State University, hosted two trainings for farmers wishing to transition to organic production on dryland acres this February in Malta and Great Falls. The Risk Assessment Workshops featured a panel of veteran organically certified grain, legume, oil seed, and specialty crop producers from the Golden Triangle and Eastern Montana. Montana State University plant scientist Bruce Maxwell and economist Dave Buschena shared their analysis of dryland organic farming systems in Montana. The workshops provided time for participants to develop a transition plan for their farm with one-on-one assistance from the experienced farmers and the MSU researchers. Workshop materials are available upon request.
Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) Organic Training Current work includes a partnership with the NRCS to provide educational materials and opportunities for field staff to learn more about organic production systems. We will be working with a core set of partners including NCAT/ATTRA, Montana Department of Agriculture, Independent Organic Inspectors Association(IOIA), and the Western Sustainable Agriculture Work Group (WSAWG) to develop a series of organic field tours, an E-newsletter, a web site and an organic hotline so farmers, NRCS staff and Extension have a place to get up to date organic information.
Sustainable Farm and Ranch Tours In 2004 AERO hosted 9 farm and ranch field tours this summer, working with a host of partners including Predator Friendly Alliance, Western Montana Growers Cooperative, University of Montana, Independent Organic Inspectors Association, Montana State University, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology. Our intent with the tours is for farmers to get to talk with one another, network, and build on their capacity and leadership abilities as presenters; and to recognize their outstanding contributions to Montana’s sustainable agriculture community. Though the tours are primarily for farmers we encourage ag service providers, retailers and citizens to attend as well. Over 375 people attended the tours last summer.
AERO is a partner in the Montana policy coalition “Grow Montana” which was formed to remove the policy barriers to the processing, distribution and trade of local and Montana-grown food for local and regional markets. The coalition has secured funding for a lobbyist and organizer during the 05 Montana State Legislature. Current legislative efforts are focused on:
a) A procurement law that enables Montana food producers and processors to compete for public institutions' procurement of food.
b) Legislation to provide state meat inspection of mobile meat slaughter and processing facilities, and provide funding for additional state meat inspectors.
Past AERO program highlights include:
Farm & Ranch Improvement Club program is a supportive network in which farmers and ranchers share the risk, cost, and advantages associated with innovation and experimentation. Since 1990 farm clubs have been working together to solve common problems in resource sustainability and profitability. Over 500 farm families have participated in this program.
Montana Food Systems Initiative was initiated by AERO in 1997 to empower local communities and groups with statewide interest to analyze the current food system and propose actions for change that would lead to creating local, self-reliant community-based food systems. Community study/action groups participated in regions throughout Montana exploring how to localize their food system in ways that give value to their community needs; shorten the connection between producer, processor, and consumer; and build upon relationships, awareness and supportive public policy.