About Agriculture & Local Food Committee
Our Mission
Strengthening Bitterroot Valley farmers, ranchers and producers through collaboration, advocacy, and promotion to support our economy, preserve open spaces, and honor our agricultural heritage for present and future generations.
MAPS
COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE CALENDAR
Scholarship Opportunities
The Ag & Local Foods Committee is proud to announce the launch of the Farmer Education Scholarship program. Inspired by Carissa McNamara of Montana Farmers Union, the Ag Committee decided to use a portion of the proceeds from the 2025 Know Your Farmer event to help farmers attend conferences or other educational opportunities. The Committee will continue to fund the scholarship through event proceeds and the Chamber will distribute the funding. The application is available online and is open year-round.
Fill out the application below to be considered a grantee of these funds. For more information - please reach out to Jodi Mitchell at jodi@bvchamber.com.
events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Strengthening Bitterroot Valley farmers, ranchers and producers through collaboration, advocacy, and promotion to support our economy, preserve open spaces, and honor our agricultural heritage for present and future generations.
No, membership is not required. Everyone is welcome!
No, anyone passionate about ag is welcome!
We will support & promote existing events for now & are exploring future events hosted by Ag Comm.
Our goal is to help increase economic opportunties for farms, ranches & producers in the Bitterroot Valley.
Chair
Kierstin Schmitt – Western Agricultural Research Center, Administrative Associate III
Vice Chairs
To increase visibility & engagement with agriculture community
Elyse Caiazzo – BitterRoot Land Trust
Grace Nichols – Ravalli County Economic Development Authority
Raechel Hawkinson – Valley Irrigation
Gretchen Pernichele – Frost Top Orchard