Non-Native Brown Garden Snail Found on Nursery Stock Shipment

We recently received notice from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) that nursery stock in Miles City, MT was found contaminated with the non-native Brown Garden Snail (Helix aspera/Cornu asperum). The contaminated nursery stock was on a shipment from Sester Farms out of Oregon. MDA is currently working with both Sester Farms and the Oregon Department of Agriculture on this issue.

The Brown Garden Snail is currently established along the west coast from California north to British Columbia, Canada, in most southeastern states, and along the east coast north to New Jersey. The snail has established itself as a very troublesome pest of crops and ornamentals, and various states have quarantine restrictions in place for plant material brought in from areas with established Brown Garden Snail populations.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is advising that all shipments that are received from Sester Farms be inspected upon receipt to ensure they are free from this snail. If any Brown Garden Snails are found, please contact Carson Thomas, Nursery and Quarantine Specialist for the Montana Department of Agriculture, at: 406-444-3428, Carson.Thomas@mt.gov.

Brown Garden Snail Identification

The shell is large, globose, rather thin, imperforate or nearly so, moderately glossy, and sculptured with fine wrinkles. The shell may be either yellow or horn-colored with chestnut brown spiral bands interrupted by yellow flecks or streaks. 

Montana Department of Agriculture Requesting Proposals for:

Growth Through Agriculture Grant & Loan Program

Pre-application period: October 1-31, 2024

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is announcing the opening of the FY2025 funding cycle for the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Program. Montanans interested in innovating or expanding agricultural businesses are invited to apply for funds through the state grant and loan program.

“The Growth Through Agriculture program continues to help Montana businesses and agricultural operations add value, scale up, and access new markets,” said MDA Director Christy Clark. “I encourage producers, business owners, and those with innovative ideas for value-added projects to apply so we as a state can continue to elevate our agricultural ecosystem and economy.”

The Growth Through Agriculture program was established by the legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agriculture industry by developing new agricultural products and processes. GTA grants and loans are awarded by the Agriculture Development Council, consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor. GTA funding requires the investment of at least $1 in matching funds for every $1 in grant or loan assistance received.

Pre-applications for funding open October 1, 2024, and are due October 31, 2024. Selected proposals from pre-applicants will be invited to submit a full application for funding in January. Information on submitting a pre-application, program guidelines, FAQs, and previously funded projects can be viewed online at agr.mt.gov/GTA. Applicants may apply for grants up to $50,000 and loans up to $100,000. Examples of eligible project activities include equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services.

Those needing application assistance are encouraged to contact their local Food and Agricultural Development Center at agr.mt.gov/Food-and-Ag-Development-Centers.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.