MONTANA POTATO RESEARCH & MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PURPOSE :  The primary goal of the Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program as stated in the enabling legislation: "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and  the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.”

INTRODUCTION

The Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program was created by an affirmative vote of Montana potato producers following the process outlined in MCA 80-11-504 through 519.   The Potato Research & Market Development Program will be administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture, which will receive advice from the seven-member Montana Potato Advisory Committee. 

The Montana Potato Advisory Committee invites proposals to fund demonstration projects, applied research and market development projects designed to address Montana's potato industry needs and opportunities.  All research & marketing project applications will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee at the first regular meeting each year and a recommendation made to the department, which projects they would like funded, and the amount of funding suggested.  Recommended projects will be determined by amount of funds, type of project, need and whether the project is new or ongoing.  Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near-term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded potato industry.  Research priorities identified by Montana Seed Potato Growers include management of potato viruses and their vectors, stem and tuber diseases caused by fungi, bacterial diseases including blackleg, scab, soft rot and ring rot, and weeds as alternate hosts for potato pathogens.  Improved agronomic practices including water and nutrient management, cover crops, border crops, and rotation.  Management of insects and weeds (including volunteer potatoes). Detection and management of potato pathogens. As well as on farm research. Public and private entities and organizations, business and industry, educational institutions, local governments, and individuals are eligible to submit proposals.

Proposals submitted under this RFP must be received on or before February 17, 2023.

Applicants with questions about information contained in this RFP should write or telephone:   

• Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program
• Montana Department of Agriculture - ADD
• PO Box 200201 
• Helena, Montana  59620-0201
• (406) 444-2402