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Press release
Two workshops, one on March 1 in Havre and another March 2 in Great Falls, aim to connect producers, buyers, and resources to discuss transitioning from CRP to organic production.
Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) and Bear Paw Development Corporation are facilitating the events. Both are part of the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Food and Ag Development Center Network.
The events, titled “Transitioning CRP: Organic Marketing Opportunities,” will bring together representatives from companies buying and processing organic grains and pulses, public and private resource personnel, and producers currently or potentially growing for the organic sector.
The Conservation Reserve Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, exchanges rental payment to land owners who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production. Between 2018 and 2019, Montana will see approximately 224,000 acres of enrollment contracts expire from the CRP. This follows the expiration of nearly 400,000 acres in fiscal year 2017. The current US Farm Bill has capped CRP enrollment at the lowest level since the program’s inception in 1985, and the future of CRP remains unknown as the 2018 Farm Bill is crafted.
Because of how this land has been managed under CRP contract, it may qualify for immediate certification as organic cropland, grazing land, or hay ground. Land actively farmed under conventional management requires a three-year transition before qualifying for organic certification.
“CRP is a context for discussion,” said Eric Bergman, Great Falls Development Authority Food and Ag Development Center director.
Producers are consistently facing major management decisions with their farms and ranches. The market for certified organic products may be an opportunity for farmers facing expiring CRP contracts, and for those who are otherwise looking to diversify, stabilize, or grow their businesses
At 5 percent of the nation’s total, Montana currently ranks first for total acreage under certified organic production. Specifically, in 2017, Montana was the No. 1 overall organic wheat-producing state at $28.4 million in gross sales, and the No. 1 pulse producer with $5.4 million in sales. Organic products typically sell for two to five times more than their conventional counterparts at the farm-gate.
“Profit margins on the farms are important for overall community economic well-being. Our focus is on expanding agricultural processing in the region to create more income streams for our communities,” Bergman said. “We have Montana companies which are currently processing that may be able to expand, companies outside of the state that see the numerous advantages to locating here, and local entrepreneurs that are looking to start something new.”
Taylor Lyon, director of Bear Paw’s Food and Ag Development Center, said, “During my days as an ag product processor, I learned directly the challenges of competing with other processors that were better positioned to capitalize on scale. I keep hearing that the large organic food processors are constantly searching for domestic grain products and want more access to Montana markets. What better way to help solve that problem than by hosting events like this.”
The Montana Farmers Union is sponsoring lunch for the events and organizers are asking attendees to pre-register so that they can provide an appropriate number of meals.
“MFU supports the CRP Program with the goal of giving the most environmentally-sensitive land first priority,” said Communications Director Lyndsay Bruno. “We also recognize the need for producers to diversify their operations and view education as a fundamental way to do just that. MFU appreciates the opportunity to partner with the GFDA and Bear Paw Development to offer workshops on the transitioning of CRP acres.”
The Thursday, March 1, event in Havre will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Northern Agricultural Research Center, 3710 Assinniboine Road, and registrations can be made online at https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/431 or by contacting Taylor Lyon at [email protected] or 406-265-9226.
The Friday, March 2, Great Falls event will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Heritage Hall, Great Falls College-Montana State University, and registrations can be made online at https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/432 or by contacting Eric Bergman at [email protected] or 406-750-3285.
About the Great Falls Montana Development Authority
Founded in 1992, the Great Falls Montana Development Authority is an economic development organization that works to create higher paying jobs and promote growth and diversification throughout the Great Falls region of Montana. The public-private partnership includes a trade area of 13 counties that extend from the Eastern slope of the Rockies to the Canadian border. The Great Falls Montana Development Authority sees its role as engaging, leading, guiding and facilitating regional efforts to build a prosperous and sustainable future for its community.
About the Bear Paw Development Corporation
Bear Paw Development has served since 1969 as a federally recognized and funded Economic Development District by the US Economic Development Administration. Being involved in a variety of projects, Bear Paw assists communities and businesses in the following departments: community planning, business lending, value-added agriculture, community development, and small business counseling. Over the past five years, Bear Paw has coordinated the investment of more than $53.4 million in public and private funds to enhance our economy, create jobs and make our communities more sustainable.
About the Montana Food & Ag Development Center Network
The Montana Food and Agricultural Development Center 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 - located in Great Falls, Havre, Joliet and Ronan - operate as a statewide network serving community-based businesses throughout Montana. The centers support economic development by ensuring that more of the state’s food, agricultural and energy dollars circulate in Montana. The network provides training, coaching and technical assistance, including: product development, testing and analysis; regulatory compliance training; food processing; business planning and development; market research; business networking; access to financing; cooperative development; and education on industry dynamics and technologies.
About the Montana Farmers Union
Montana Farmers Union is a statewide grassroots organization working for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through conferences, scholarships and other educational opportunities as well as legislative representation and support for producer-owned co-ops.
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