69th Legislature - 2025 SJ0011.2
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 11
1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11
2 INTRODUCED BY B. GILLESPIE
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF FARMER'S MARKETS AND LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS;
6 AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH
7 LEGISLATURE.
8
9 WHEREAS, farmer's markets contribute to local economic growth by supporting small-scale agriculture
10 and entrepreneurship; and
11 WHEREAS, farmer's markets provide opportunities to strengthen and secure resilient food systems
12 through direct producer-to-consumer sales; and
13 WHEREAS, farmer's markets promote access to fresh, nutritious foods improving public health
14 outcomes; and
15 WHEREAS, farmer's markets play a critical role in bolstering local food systems as a matter of national
16 security by reducing dependency on external supply chains, enhancing self-sufficiency, and ensuring food
17 availability during crisis or disruptions.
18
19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
20 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
21 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
22 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to examine farmer's markets and food systems in the state of
23 Montana for the purpose of promoting regional food system infrastructure and coordination.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the interim committee:
25 (1) collaborate on this issue with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to:
26 (a) small-scale agricultural producers;
27 (b) farmer's market organization representatives;
28 (c) city or county public health experts; 69th Legislature - 2025 SJ0011.2
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 11
1 (d) economic development specialists;
2 (e) food systems experts;
3 (f) tribal government representatives; and
4 (g) representatives with expertise in food systems and national security;
5 (H)DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HHUMAN S;
6 (I)DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND
7 (J)MONTANA SUNIVERSITY-BOZEMAN EXTENSION SERVICE.
8 (2) study the current economic impact of farmer's markets in Montana;
9 (3) review barriers to growth and opportunities for farmer's market improvement, including
10 analyzing infrastructure, market access, regulatory frameworks, and statutory definitions;
11 (4) study the impact, opportunities, and challenges of the Montana Local Food Choice Act, as
12 provided in Title 50, chapter 49, part 2, MCA, and the state cottage food laws provided in Title 50, chapter 50,
13 MCA;
14 (5) study the role of farmer's markets in advancing food security and nutrition, especially in
15 underserved areas;
16 (6) review contributions of farmer's markets to local and regional food system resilience, focusing
17 on national security concerns related to food supply disruptions;
18 (7) review current statutes governing consumer protection and liability for food producers and
19 markets;
20 (8) study potential collaborations between local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private
21 entities to support farmer's markets; and
22 (9) study strategies to integrate farmer's markets into broader rural and community development
23 initiatives.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
25 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
27 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th legislature.
28 - END -