Legislative Candidate Survey – Senate Districts 2 – 26

Legislative Candidate Survey Responses, Senate Districts 2 – 26

To prepare for the 2025 legislative session, Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition invited the 2024 Montana Legislative Candidates to take part in a survey to share their views on important food and agriculture issues. The survey was sent electronically to all candidates who provided an email address in their legislative filings with the Montana Secretary of State. Seventy-eight legislative candidates provided answers to the survey.

A secondary purpose of the survey was to introduce candidates to Grow Montana’s priority areas and share a few resources for learning more about the issues the coalition works on.

Candidates were informed the results of this survey will be made available to coalition members and the public. Candidates were also informed their responses will be used solely for educational and informative purposes and will not be used as a scorecard or endorsement of individual candidates.

If you are unsure who your legislative candidate is, you can find out by using the search feature at the Montana Free Press’s Election Guide by entering your voting address. If you would like assistance reaching out to your candidates, email the coalition using our Contact Form.

The full survey is available to read HERE.

SD3 Angela Kennedy (D)SD7 Greg Hertz (R)SD16 Jonathan Windy Boy (D)SD16 Perri Jacobs (R)SD17 Bob Phalen (R)SD21 Sharon Stewart-Peregoy (D)SD21 Gale Lammers (R)SD26 Karen Lyncoln (D)

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

In order to expand in-state processing of locally grown and raised food for residents, other states have created workforce training programs in food processing and expanded grant opportunities for small and mid-scale processors. Please select any of the following measures you think Montana should explore.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods. Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food. Increase funding for wages for school nutrition staff to increase capacity for cooking high-quality meals.

As described above, Montana currently has successful agriculturally focused educational programs that involve students and community members to learn more about where their food comes from and the farmers who produce it. Would you like to see these programs, or something similar, increased to more school districts?

Yes.

There are five basic practices that can support approaches to fostering the long-term productivity and sustainability of soil in Montana’s agricultural lands. Are you familiar with any of these practices? Check all that apply:

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity

Programs like the ones described above help Montanans access fresh, nutritious, locally grown products as a way to reduce healthcare costs. Please check the boxes of the programs you support/would like to expand:

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Food Banks and Food Pantries

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

If elected, definitely.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Develop a workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture. Allow food processing to be done in home kitchens and on the farm with limited regulations.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Maybe – I would like more information.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

None of these options, I don’t see the need for government subsidies. My experience is that local farmers and ranchers will work with our local schools without subsidies. Students can also get involved in raising food for the school and helping them realize the process of cost related to food production. It might also encourage students to get involved in the food industry.

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Further expand SB199 from 2021. I would like to allow home based food to be sold to other retailers.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Please fully support SB199 and help push back on some local sanitarians who are making it difficult for some producers to sell their products.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Create a state-funded grant program for building and expanding processing capacity for Montana-grown and raised foods., Develop a workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture., Increase funding and capacity for food safety education and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) training through MSU course offerings.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program, More advertising of these programs, notifying participants what is available for them.

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

I didn’t plan on it, but I support programs that help kids have more access to food, fresh produce. The district I represent fit under this category. I support anything and everything that will support my district. I always support programs that do. I’m not a partisan member and I will support my district. My record proves it

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

As I mentioned, my district has the capacity of welcoming these programs. Lack of resources, it seems to be the issue. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. And if and when I’m re-elected to the legislature. I will continue to support the issues you brought to my attention in this questionnaire.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Increase funding and capacity for food safety education and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAACP) training through MSU course offerings., workforce training program for butchers and meat cutters through community college programs.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Maybe – I would like more information.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food.

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Food Banks and Food Pantries.

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Not at this time.

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Maybe – I would like more information.

I don’t think that the people of Montana should have to pay for private enterprise. We need to leave up to the private sector.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Maybe – I would like more information.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Once again the people do not need to be burdened with more taxes!

Maybe – I would like more information.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

We need to have government out of our lives.

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Not that I know of. I’m sure I didn’t answer the way that you wanted me to, but I’m not a tax and spend person.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food. Increase funding for wages for school nutrition staff to increase capacity for cooking high-quality meals.

Yes.

Maximize Presence of Living Roots: Encourage continuous plant growth by having living roots in the soil as much as possible. This enhances soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Unable due to be termed out of house (HD 42) and running for senate (SD 21)

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods. Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food.

Yes.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Maybe – I would like more information.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Maybe – I would like more information

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

I like your proposed programs and look forward to working with you in the upcoming session. Feel free to reach out.

Do you think Montana should expand processing of Montana-grown food for our citizens?

Yes.

Do you support the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork, knowing that this is a requirement for other foods, including chicken and lamb?

Yes.

Are you supportive of allocating funds within the state budget to help Montana school authorities access locally sourced and processed foods?

Yes.

What suggestions do you have for supporting schools in offering higher-quality school meals?

Create a state-funded grant program to support schools in purchasing Montana grown foods, Provide state-funded partial reimbursement for schools’ purchases of Montana grown food, Increase funding for wages for school nutrition staff to increase capacity for cooking high-quality meals

Yes.

Minimize Disturbance: Avoid excessive tilling or other practices that disrupt the soil. Minimizing disturbance helps maintain soil structure and prevents erosion.

Maximize Soil Cover: Keep the soil covered with vegetation, crop residues, or cover crops. Soil cover protects against erosion, conserves moisture, and supports microbial activity.

Maximize Biodiversity: Diverse plant species and beneficial organisms contribute to a healthy soil ecosystem. Biodiversity improves nutrient cycling and resilience.

Integrate Livestock: Grazing animals can enhance soil health by cycling nutrients, breaking up compacted soil, and promoting plant diversity.

Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, Double SNAP Dollars, Food Banks and Food Pantries, Montana Produce Prescription Program

Do you support the continued funding of the Montana Food & Agriculture Development Centers?

Yes.

Are you drafting any legislation in the agricultural sector for the 2025 legislative session? If so, please share the details below:

No, I am not a Legislator at present

Are you interested in working with Grow Montana to draft and/or propose legislation during the 2025 legislative session?

Yes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition?

Candidates that did not complete survey, SD 2 – 26

SD2	Dave	Fern	D
SD2	Doug	Adams	R
SD3	Carl	Glimm	R
SD5	Matt	Regier	R
SD5	Lee	Neimark	D
SD7	Craig	Pablo	D
SD13	Josh	Kassmier	R
SD15	Gregg	Hunter	R
SD20	Sue	Vinton	R
SD20	Lina	Auch	D
SD24	Mike	Yakawich	R
SD24	Mark	Nicholson	D
SD26	Tom	McGillvray	R

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Legislative Candidate Survey – Senate Districts 2 – 26

Legislative Candidate Survey Responses, Senate Districts 2 – 26

Candidates that did not complete survey, SD 2 – 26

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