One of the biggest problems producers face is access to markets. HB 440 Montana Food First bill will help by incentivizing Montana retailers to put Montana foods on their shelves.

We see firsthand how much influence and control large corporations have in our food systems. Many of them are raking in record profits, while we are paying record high prices for groceries. Farmers and ranchers haven't seen an increase in the prices they received for their products. Our food system is broken -- we need to strengthen and build up resiliency in local and regional food systems.

The Montana Food first bill supports local farmers, ranchers, growers, retailers, grocers and entrepreneurs, and keeps more consumer food dollars in our local economies.

This bill supports regional and local food system resiliency and will help Montana consumers have better choices at the grocery store and to buy what Montanans are growing.

This incentive is completely voluntary to retailers and lets them decide what is best for them and their community.

Montana Farmers Union has long advocated for more competition in the marketplace and this bill is a good step in the right direction for leveling the playing field for local producers