Montana Hemp Research Meeting in Helena Seeks Community Input November 17

The Montana Department of Agriculture published a public meeting notice on November 10, 2025 calling stakeholders to a Hemp Research and Market Development public meeting set for Monday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 225 at the MDA office at 302 N. Roberts in Helena, and a virtual Zoom option will be available for remote attendees. The agenda centers on review and presentations of 2025 research proposals that are seeking funding through the Hemp Research and Market Development Program.

Among the sample projects listed for consideration are proposals to improve Montana hemp visibility and marketing, studies of no till fiber hemp agronomics for dryland production, and the compilation of a hemp materials and ingredients catalog. Those proposals reflect a mix of market development, agronomic research, and product supply chain work that could have tangible effects for growers, processors, manufacturers and retailers in Lewis and Clark County.

Funding decisions made through the program will shape which research and pilot projects receive resources in the coming year. For local growers considering hemp as a rotation crop or as part of a diversification strategy, research into dryland no till agronomy could affect choices about equipment, soil conservation practices, and expected yields. For small processors and entrepreneurs exploring hemp based ingredients or materials, a statewide catalog and marketing efforts could open new retail and wholesale opportunities in both domestic and export markets.

The inclusion of a Zoom option is likely to broaden participation beyond Helena, allowing farmers from rural parts of the county and industry partners across Montana to attend and comment. The meeting process also provides a public forum where researchers, industry representatives and state officials can align on priorities as hemp markets evolve. These priorities will intersect with federal and state regulatory frameworks and with shifting consumer demand domestically and abroad.

Residents and stakeholders who want to review the agenda or request Zoom access can find details on the Department of Agriculture news page. The notice lists contacts for further information as Dani Jones and Logan Kruse, and includes phone numbers and instructions on the department site. The source for the meeting announcement is the MDA public notice posted November 10, 2025.

As hemp continues to move from niche to mainstream in agricultural planning and manufacturing, the outcomes of this meeting will matter to local landowners, businesses and community planners considering economic and environmental impacts in Lewis and Clark County.