Farmer's Share events planned for Western MT, Chouteau County fairs

From Montana

Farmers Union

To highlight the Farmer’s Share of the food dollar and the need to create fair markets for family farmers and ranchers, Montana Farmers Union is partnering with Missoula FFA, as well as the Chouteau County Farmers Union Local and 4-H Chuckwagon to provide Farmer’s Share menu items during local fairs.

Fairgoers can learn more about MFU’s work to increase fairness for farmers and the Farmer’s Share during the Western Montana Fair Aug. 10 and the Chouteau County Fair Aug. 19.

“When we see these high prices in the grocery store, it’s important that consumers know that that is not what farmers are making. Connecting consumers to where their food comes from and taking the opportunity to provide information and education about the Farmer’s Share of the retail food dollar is critically important,” MFU Member Services Director Rachel Prevost said.

Producers receive only 14.3 cents of every food dollar consumers spend, according to the USDA. Off-farm costs, including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing, account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.

Decades of consolidation in the agriculture industry have devastated family agriculture. MFU advocates for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities so family farms and communities can be profitable and thriving for generations to come.

In Missoula, people can stop by the FFA Food Truck featuring School House Meats to learn about the Farmer’s Share and receive a taco at the Farmer’s Share price — 65 cents — while supplies last on Aug. 10.

“We wanted to support the Farmer’s Share because we believe in its cause,” said Tom Andres, who runs agriculture programs at Missoula County Public Schools. “People need to be made aware of the imbalance in our food system. The farmer is the most important part of it, yet they get paid the least. All of us must be a voice of support for the American farmer.”

Then, Aug. 19, MFU will partner with the Chouteau County Farmers Union Local and the 4-H Chuckwagon to provide information about the Farmer’s Share and a voucher good for one hamburger at the Farmer’s Share price — 65 cents — at the 4-H Chuckwagon.

“We want to have family farmers and ranchers and our rural communities thriving for generations to come, and bolstering local food systems and advocating for fair and competitive markets so these family farms can compete in the marketplace is really important. And a Farmer’s Share meal is a good place to start the conversation with consumers,” Prevost said.

To learn more about the Farmer’s Share, go to https://www.montanafarmersunion.com .