Alternative Energy Resources Organization > Programs > Buy Fresh Buy Local

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Buy Fresh Buy Local

What is the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign network?



We've compiled a list of Montana Farmers Markets

The Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign Network is a marketing and education campaign designed to:

  • Link local food campaign efforts to build visibility and effectiveness.
  • Make it easier for Montanans to find and purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and poultry, eggs, honey, and other agricultural products.
  • Stimulate the economic vitality of Montana by strengthening the viability of family farms and independent businesses that feature local foods.
  • Provide communities with information about the many benefits of strong local food systems.
  • Build social capital in Montana communities through leadership development, and local project facilitation.

Who manages the campaign?

Alternative Energy Resources Organization manages the Statewide Buy Local Campaign Network, in cooperation with Community Campaign Coordinators. AERO is a partner in FoodRoutes National Buy Local campaign.

What would your organization or group receive by being a Community Coordinator?

The network provides community local food campaigns with:

  • Buy Fresh Buy Local Electronic Toolbox, which includes attractive point of sale marketing tools featuring the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Montana” logo, and implementation strategies. Tools are suitable for use by farmers, restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets.
  • Networking opportunities to share project work with other groups working to promote local foods across the state, and regionally.
  • Technical assistance developing a campaign plan if needed.
  • Small grant assistance, when available, for printing, outreach and educational activities.
  • Recognition of local projects through press releases, and the AERO website.

How do farms, ranches, farmers’ markets, and local businesses participate in the campaign?

An individual farm/ranch, business, or farmers’ market, may join the BFBL campaign, and utilize the Buy Fresh Buy Local marketing tools by completing a farm, business, or farmers’ market partner application. Currently the campaign fee is $30.00 for a farm/ranch or farmers’ market partner, and $50.00 for a business partner. Existing AERO members pay $15.00/farm or farmers’ market, $30.00/business for campaign membership. To request a partner application contact AERO at (406) 443-7272.

What the Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign is not.

The Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign is not a certification program with inspectors. Members will monitor local markets; issues regarding fairness or inappropriate use of materials or the campaign will be reported to the community campaign coordinators and, if needed, mediated by AERO as the statewide coordinator.

Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign Partners

For more information on joining the Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign as a Farm, Business, or Farmers’ Market Partner; or becoming a Community Campaign Coordinator, contact the AERO office at (406) 443-7272.