On Friday, September 26th, at Chico Hot Springs Resort, Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) celebrates its 20th anniversary and achievement of its Million Milestones. The milestones reflect one million acres of critical habitat WSE has helped conserve through sustainable agricultural practices and $1 million in yearly sales the organization has generated for farmers and ranchers involved in their programs.

The celebration includes four appetizer “tasting” stations and a five-course plated dinner and wine pairing prepared by ten regionally-renowned chefs.
All the chefs involved in the dinner support local food production and will use their culinary skills to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The dinner showcases foods raised by WSE Sustainably Certified farmers and ranchers.
“WSE believes that the future of this region and the backbone of our rural economy lie in the hands of the state’s farmers and ranchers.  Over 60 million acres of Montana’s open space and wildlife habitat are in agricultural production. If we are to preserve this landscape and quality of life for future generations, we must reward the sustainable stewards of the land,” says Lill Erickson, WSE Executive Director. “The best way to do that is to buy food from local producers and support the businesses that offer their products,” she added. “Doing the right thing never tasted so good!”

​Proceeds from Harvest Celebration, including the live and silent auction, support WSE’s efforts to increase Montanans’ access to delicious, healthy food grown in Montana. A major focus of WSE’s work is connecting farmers and ranchers who are exceptional stewards of their land with local restaurants, chefs, grocers, and distributors. WSE also engages the public on sustainability and the benefits of local, sustainably raised food through WSE’s Livingston Farmers Market, Young Entrepreneurial Stewardship, and Farm to Restaurant Connection Programs.
 
Tickets are $100 per person or $700 per table of eight. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses to support WSE’s work. For more information, to donate items for the auction, or to purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.westernsustainabilityexchange.com or call 406-222-0730.