Local and Rural Food Sovereignty

Local and Rural Food Sovereignty

Montana communities should have more control over their food systems. Michael Black Wolf believes local and rural food sovereignty is essential to stronger communities, stronger local economies, and a more resilient future.

When communities depend too heavily on distant supply chains or highly consolidated agricultural markets, they lose control over both food access and economic stability. Rural Montana should not be left vulnerable while local producers struggle to compete and communities have fewer choices.

Michael supports investing in local food systems, regional supply chains, and rural infrastructure so producers can build stronger markets closer to home. He also supports policies that help small-scale producers manage risk, compete fairly, and sell directly to consumers and institutions without unnecessary barriers.

Food sovereignty also includes Tribal communities and Indigenous food systems. Michael believes those efforts deserve real support through federal programs and tribal partnerships that respect local knowledge, stewardship, and self-determination.

Michael’s priorities include:

• Increasing funding for programs that support local food systems and regional supply chains
• Expanding crop insurance and risk management programs for small-scale producers
• Enforcing antitrust laws and supporting fair markets to reduce consolidation in agriculture
• Supporting Indigenous food sovereignty through federal programs and tribal partnerships
• Reducing barriers that make it harder for producers to sell directly to consumers and institutions