Visit Billings assisted the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture as they promoted Montana-grown products on the tables of restaurants in Billings.

“Taste our Place” aims to promote and increase the use of locally sourced ingredients at Montana restaurants, bars, and other establishments serving ready-to-eat food and drink. The program is a category of the Made in Montana program which promotes products made in Montana to residents and visitors.

According to research by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana, 12.5 million people from out state visited Montana in 2018 and spent $667 million at restaurants and bars, an amount second only to what they spent on gasoline.

Visit Billings Executive Director Alex Tyson says, “Locally sourced products offer a unique travel experience for visitors helping them connect to Montana in ways that elevate agriculture as the state’s top industry.” 

While the Commerce Department administers and promotes the program and “Taste Our Place” members, the Agriculture Department helps connect members with local food producers. The program is free to join. In addition to promotional and ingredient sourcing opportunities, members receive a listing on the Made in Montana website and materials to identify them as being committed to serving food and drink made with locally sourced ingredients. Businesses are encouraged to review eligibility and register online at MADEINMONTANA USA.com.