Bear Paw recertified as member of FADC Network

From Bear Paw Development Corporation

Bear Paw Development Corp. was recently re-certified by the state of Montana as a regional Food and Agriculture Development Center, focused on assisting agricultural producers and entrepreneurs add value to the commodities raised in northern Montana and elsewhere. Bear Paw Development has been part of the FADC Network since its inception and has assisted numerous value-added agriculture projects receive funding and become successful. 

“We are very pleased that the state of Montana continues to see the value of investing in the capacity of organizations like Bear Paw Development to help expand our ag-based economy and assist agricultural entrepreneurs with their value-added ideas and projects,” Executive Director of Bear Paw Development Paul Tuss said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our regional economy, and doing what we can to enhance the bottom line of area producers and other ag entrepreneurs is key to a healthier, more robust economy for northern Montana.”

The Food and Agriculture Development Center Program is administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture and received funding through the 2019 Legislature. Centers are located in Havre, Ronan, Joliet, Hamilton, Butte, Great Falls, Wolf Point and Bozeman. Through funding included in House Bill 52 during the Legislature, the number of FADCs doubled. All FADCs are located in economic development organizations that also provide other services to existing business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs.

“By being housed in existing economic development entities, the state of Montana is smartly leveraging existing resources for maximum impact to our state’s rural economy,” Tuss said. 

Bear Paw’s FADC director is Michael Peter, a native of Circle, graduate of Montana State University-Northern and current president of the U.S. Cattleman’s Association NextGen.

“I’ve spent my life involved in agriculture and know Montana’s farmers and ranchers are productive, resourceful and some of the hardest workers anywhere,” he said. “However, when it comes to developing business plans, finding capital and starting a value-added enterprise, our agricultural producers and other ag entrepreneurs may need a little assistance. That’s how our office can help. We are happy to assist in any way to help folks who have a value-added agriculture idea take the next step toward success.”

To contact Bear Paw Development’s Food and Agriculture Development Center, call 265-9226 or email Peter at mpeter@bearpaw.org.