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Diversifying Montana's food industry while promoting economic growth across the state was the focus of a two day Specialty Crops Conference in Great Falls.

Farmers from across the Treasure State attended the conference to discuss issues linked to food production, soil management, food system infrastructure, and managing food safety.

As a group, they were able to determine some of the problems facing the Montana farm industry and help come up with solutions specific to different parts of the state.

The Alternative Energy Resource Organization, or AERO, contends that developing a local and sustainable food system within the state returns more of the food dollar to the farmer.

Kevin Moore, Sustainable Food & Ag Program Manager, noted, "A number of the farmers that are participating in this conference, I would say, are participating in a local food system...many of them are certified organic, meaning they're not using any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers or herbicides."

AERO is a 35 year old non-profit organization, but this is the first year it has held a Specialty Crops Conference in Great Falls.