Coalition To Host Governor's Food, Agriculture Summit

The Grow Montana Coalition will bring together producers and industry leaders to discuss the future of local food and farming in the state.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Grow Montana Coalition is set to host the third Governor's Summit on Local Food and Agriculture on October 23-24 in Helena. The biennial summit brings together Montanans from all sectors to assess the current state of local food and farming, and to identify opportunities to strengthen the food system, build networks and action plans that support future growth.

Why it matters

The summit aims to focus on designing a strategic plan to expand Montana's markets for locally-produced food from the current 3% to at least 33% in the coming decade. This would redirect hundreds of millions of dollars into Montana's economy each year, benefiting rural communities and small to mid-sized producers.

The details

The 2026 Summit will feature keynote speakers, panels, and plenary and breakout sessions to detail the current state of local food and agriculture in Montana, and identify future opportunities. Four core themes will steer the agenda: Healthy Food/Healthy People, Resilient Markets & Economy, Healthy Soil, and Strong Communities.

  • The 2026 Governor's Local Food and Agriculture Summit will be held on October 23-24 in Helena.
  • The summit is held every 10 years.

The players

Grow Montana Coalition

A coalition that is set to host the 2026 Governor's Summit on Local Food and Agriculture.

Jillien Streit

Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Greg Gianforte

Governor of Montana.

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What they’re saying

“A more resilient, self-reliant, and accessible food system keeps more food dollars in Montana, supports rural communities, and improves nutrition and food security for all Montanans.”

— Grow Montana Coalition (northernplainsindependent.com)

“By gathering as an industry, we can learn, discuss, and hone-in on practices that focus on feeding our local communities which is vital to the agricultural ecosystem here in Montana. Aiming to bolster our state's food system resiliency while keeping rural dollars in our rural communities is a direct investment into the backbone of our economy.”

— Jillien Streit, Director, Montana Department of Agriculture (northernplainsindependent.com)

“We look forward to welcoming producers and industry leaders to Helena later this year to celebrate and support Montana's number one industry. Our farmers produce the highest-quality products that feed the world. Through collaboration, we will continue to promote innovation and opportunities to expand markets that strengthen our operations and boost local economies, now and into the future.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor of Montana (northernplainsindependent.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Governor's Local Food and Agriculture Summit will be held on October 23-24 in Helena. Yearlong post-summit activities will provide regular virtual connection, follow up on commitments to action, and support for ongoing challenges.

The takeaway

The 2026 Governor's Local Food and Agriculture Summit aims to expand Montana's markets for locally-produced food from 3% to at least 33% in the coming decade. This would redirect hundreds of millions of dollars into Montana's economy each year, benefiting rural communities and small to mid-sized producers.