Homegrown farmers, like other sustainable farmers across the nation, are part of a new agricultural paradigm. Homegrown farmers are exploring the frontiers of farmer consumer cooperation, a powerful concept for our childrens’ food security.

Within a 75-mile radius of Missoula, is a coalition of small, local, organic and sustainable farmers. Formally organized under the name Montana Sustainable Growers’ Union, its logo title of Homegrown has evolved as its popular short name.

Roughly 25 farms strong and growing, the Montana Sustainable Growers’ Union is held together by a 10-point pledge that defines the responsibilities and philosophies of the farmers for the benefit and security of the consumers.

Homegrown, came about in the fall of 2005, out of a number of agricultural issues, of which organics was just one of them. With a pledge that incorporates organic farming principles, Homegrown fosters other key agricultural issues. Important to Homegrown are local economics, smaller instead of larger farms, economic justice for farmers and farm workers, sustainable farming practices and developing the consumer-to-farmer relationship.

To learn more about how Homegrown improves the quality of life of its patrons, buy the September/October edition of Touch the Soil magazine at a retail outlet or subscribe online.