boost the sale of Montana agricultural commodities. 

 Underlying this option is the belief that it is no 

 longer sufficient to grow good crops, but rather, it is 

 necessary to compete for market outlets for such crops. 

 This option is based upon a realization that 

 agricultural trade would provide economic benefits for 

 the entire state, and would especially improve the 

 state's agricultural economy. 



Therefore, this option proposes that the state 

 provide for an adequately staffed and funded program to 

 give assistance to those in agriculture who seek help in 

 marketing their agricultural products, either in foreign 

 or domestic markets. Such assistance could include 

 marketing, market research, trade promotion, 

 agricultural exhibits, facilitating private trade 

 efforts, and responding to foreign trade inquiries. 



Discussion 



It is important to note that agricultural marketing 

 in Montana is conducted in a somewhat fragmented 

 manner. ^■'- Agricultural marketing is carried out by the 

 Montana Pork Research and Marketing Committee, the 

 Montana Beef Council, the Montana Wheat Research and 

 Marketing Committee, and the Montana Department of 

 Commerce, in addition to the Montana Department of 

 Agriculture. 



The marketing effort of these agencies is limited 

 and disperse, with much of the marketing being 

 performed by commodities groups, national agricultural 

 organizations, and other private parties. 



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