SB 246 is a great starting place to gain an understanding of where we are at with using Montana taxpayer dollars for procurement of our large state institutional contracts (Food for the state hospital, Department of Corrections, University systems) and how much of that is local Montana food so farmers and ranchers understand better how to market to and serve institutions in Montana with the great food being raised in our state.

We believe that there are opportunities for Montana farmers and ranchers to market more products locally and regionally in our state. These opportunities can be realized for the producers and others in the state through real cooperation.The state has significant buying power when it comes to our larger institutional contracts.

SB 246 provides an opportunity for the state and agricultural producers to have the data and knowledge of where we are at with local food procurement at the state level for these large procurement contracts. This aids in not only allowing producers and local food system organizations and agencies to cooperate in both developing markets for our goods, and providing fresh, local, nutritious food to schools and other institutions that the state procures food for. There is real opportunity to ensure food security and resiliency in our state by purchasing local food.

Montana Farmers and Ranchers are looking for more markets to sell good local food -- let's get some data to know how where we are at with procuring Montana food at the state level.