Climate change will bring hotter, drier, smokier summers, warmer, wetter winters, and population growth, all of which will impact our food systems.
​
​What can we do to prepare and build resiliency? 

Our community identified several goals and strategies to address Missoula County's agricultural vulnerabilities given climate change. Each goal and their corresponding strategies are presented below, and you can find strategy-specific implementation details by clicking on its "status." 

Increase adoption of ecologically sound and climate smart practices for Missoula County agriculture. 

Strategy
Status
(click for more information on implementation progress)
Identify and promote ecologically sound agricultural best practices in a 1-stop shop, considering pests, pathogens, heat, drought, smoke. 
UNDERWAY.
Promote regenerative soil building to revitalize soil quality. 
UNDERWAY.
Develop and communicate water-use best practices for agricultural producers in real time to inform plant and animal water needs, improve efficiency, and reduce water loss.
UNDERWAY.
Missoula County Weed District & Extension Resources
Montana Soil Health Symposium
​February 9 - 10, 2022 in Billings, MT

Increase economic resilience of Missoula County agriculture given climate change.

Strategy
Status
(click for more information on implementation progress)
Promote diversification of farm income sources (e.g., carbon capture offsets, value added products, and eco-tourism). 
NOT YET INITIATED.
​Increase access to locally sourced food through aggregation, storage and distribution of agricultural products.
UNDERWAY.
​Increase support for locally sourced food through education and outreach, economic incentives, and other programs.
UNDERWAY.
Learn more about the Western Montana Growers Cooperative. 
Support local farms and have fun with CFAC's Local Food and Farm Passport!

Strengthen social connectivity between farmers, ranchers, and community members. 

Strategy
Status
(click for more information on implementation progress)
Create a farmer and rancher support network at regional or sub-regional level, considering economic and mental health needs of agricultural community. ​
UNDERWAY.
Learn more about the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition's Farmer Mentor Program. 
Resources & Working Group Members
WORKING GROUP MEMBERS
Bonnie Buckingham, Community Food and Agriculture Coalition
Bryce Christiaens, Missoula County Weed District
Abby Huseth, Climate Smart Missoula
Nick Silverman, Adaptive Hydrology LLC 
Jamie Ryan Lockman, Montana Organic Association
Jenny Zaso, Community Food & Agriculture Coalition
RESOURCES
  • Downloadable Flyer for Outdoor/Agricultural workers developed as part of Wildfire Smoke Ready Week 2021: Outdoor Workers and Wildfire Smoke
  • Video: Northern Plains Resource Council 2020 Soil Summit. ​
    Farmers and ranchers, nonprofits, agency officials, and legislators explore how policy and financing tools can promote soil health and the adoption of soil health practices in Montana.​​
  • Common Ground: Series on Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture in Montana via the Montana Free Press
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