Missoula, MT – As Missoula heads into 2025, a growing chorus of voices is calling for an update to the county’s 2004 Food Systems Assessment. The original study, conducted by University of Montana students and faculty, offered a snapshot of Missoula’s food landscape two decades ago. But, according to local experts, much has changed since then, making it crucial to revisit the assessment to better understand and address current challenges.
“A lot has changed in 20 years,” said Margiana Petersen-Rockney, an assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of Montana, who is spearheading the call for an updated study. The rapid population growth, increasing urban development, and shifting agricultural practices have fundamentally altered how Missoulians source and consume their food.
Petersen-Rockney points out that food systems are complex webs that connect a wide range of actors, from agricultural workers to consumers. “It’s not just about food security or having enough calories. It’s about access to culturally appropriate food and giving communities some level of control and autonomy over their food systems,” she said. “Especially as corporate concentration makes it harder for smaller, regional producers to thrive.”
One example of this is the challenge Missoulians face in accessing locally produced beef, despite the region being home to many cattle ranches. Petersen-Rockney emphasized that the issue of food access goes beyond just getting food to the table—it’s about ensuring that people can choose from a diverse range of options that align with their values and needs.
In December 2024, Petersen-Rockney’s food justice and sustainability class at the University of Montana showcased student work at the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension. The exhibit featured posters on topics such as family connections to agriculture, climate change data, and the intersection of food and community. It also hosted a panel discussion on the state of Missoula’s food system, featuring experts from local organizations like the Western Montana Growers Cooperative, Farm Connect, and Garden City Harvest.
The panel focused on the ongoing impacts of climate change, the increasing cost of land, and the affordability of food in Missoula. The summer of 2024 saw Montana facing severe drought conditions, with every county in the state experiencing intense drought. Climate-related issues like these are making it more difficult for local farmers to produce food at a time when the demand for locally sourced products is growing.
As development pressures increase, land prices in Missoula have soared, creating additional barriers for those wanting to farm or produce food. “The cost of land is already a huge barrier for farmers,” Petersen-Rockney said. “It’s a growing challenge.”
While the focus of the exhibit was on local issues, the research conducted in Missoula has broader implications for the entire region. As Missoula grapples with challenges like affordability, land access, and unpredictable weather patterns, these issues are being felt across Montana and the western United States. As Petersen-Rockney pointed out, proactive local or regional planning could provide solutions that might serve as models for other communities dealing with similar issues.
Looking ahead, the 2025 update to the Food Systems Assessment is expected to be a key part of the conversation. The Missoula City-County Food Policy Advisory Board is working to secure funding for a new study, which will delve into the region’s food system and explore strategies to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food network.
Petersen-Rockney is eager to see members of the wider community get involved in the planning process. “Everyone is connected to the food system in one way or another,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity here to make meaningful changes.”
As Missoula continues to grow and evolve, the opportunity to foster a more sustainable food system that encourages biodiversity, sequesters carbon in the soil, and ensures healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food for all remains a critical goal. With support from students, local producers, and the community, this update to the Food Systems Assessment could play a pivotal role in shaping Missoula’s future food landscape.
