Ian’s work at CFAC focuses on both the Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) and Food Access (FA) programs. For the BFR program, Ian supports the planning, delivery, and evaluation of BFR events and Farm Link Montana services. On the Food Access side, Ian assists regional farmer’s markets and retail stores with implementing the Double SNAP Dollars (DSD) program, which provides a dollar for dollar match for SNAP participants when purchasing locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ian has worked to increase the sustainability and equity of Montana’s food system since moving to Missoula in 2006. After graduating from the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana, Ian worked on farms across the northwest before directing the UM Farm to College Program, an agricultural economic development initiative building local food supply chains and educational gardens. Ian then worked as the chef at Buttercup Market & Cafe, building his knowledge of kitchen processes necessary to work with local farms. He is dedicated to using his skills from farm to table to build a better food system with CFAC.