The Western Montana Growers Cooperative (WMGC) is a coalition of growers in the Flathead, Jocko, Mission and Bitterroot Valleys, as well as Belt, MT, whose goal is to provide the wholesale market in the Western region of Montana with fresh, quality products from their farms.

To reach that goal, the cooperative provides a wholesale marketing and delivery service for its members. We strive to improve the "local food system" of our area by enhancing the sustainability of local farms and contributing to local economic growth, while also reducing the demand of produce being shipped here from long distances.

In 2002, through a "community food systems" grant, Lake County Community Development (LCCD) started working to find ways to get locally produced food to "local" people. The grant paid for one person's salary to take the lead on the project. A small group of farmers became involved and it was determined that a cooperatively owned marketing and delivery service, WMGC, would be a good tool. WMGC grew out of this process and is entirely independent of LCCD.

The co-operative was incorporated in early 2003 and started to sell member produce between Polson and Missoula that summer. The 2004 season proved to be quite successful with strong sales and membership growth. As of this year, 2006, WMGC has 15 member farms supplying a wide range of items, including organic fresh fruits and vegetables, some processed fruits and vegetables, organic dairy products, local honey, and a variety of meats: organic poultry, natural beef, pork and bison (see our harvest calendar for a full listing). Western MT Growers Cooperative provides a reliable, professional service with quality products that meet industry standards.

By providing a marketing and delivery service, WMGC allows the farmer members to concentrate on producing great food, while making it easier for food buyers to purchase local foods. WMGC's general manager handles all sales, allowing our customers access to our 15 farms with one sales transaction. Our farmers bring their goods to a central warehouse in Arlee where the co-op truck is loaded. The deliveries are then made the next day – twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter – making out service prompt and more convenient for our customers.

WMGC believes in making fresh and nutritious local food available to our local community, while fairly supporting local farmers and producers. This business model makes this goal possible.

If you are interested in becoming a customer, please see our full product pack list on the customers page or contact our general manager, Mark Wehri, at 726-4769 or email us.