Senate committee clears study resolution on soil, food quality and export risks

Senate Joint Resolution 23, a sponsor-led request for an interim study of soil health, food quality and market-sensitive agricultural technologies, was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee in a 6-5 vote.

Sponsor Sen. Andrea Olsen presented the study resolution as part of a broader effort to examine soil health, pollinator protection, food security and how Montana producers can reach higher-value export markets. Olsen said the study would consider contamination incidents that led businesses to lose export markets and would examine whether government should support transitions to different practices or products.

Chris Averill, executive director of the Montana Agricultural Business Association, opposed the measure and called it redundant. Averill told the committee that multiple existing federal and state agencies — including the U.S. Trade Representative, World Trade Organization processes, and industry committees — already gather the relevant market and technical data and that a state-led study risked being “hijacked” into a one-issue focus, for example glyphosate.

Sen. Dunwell asked whether recent tariff and market developments made the study more urgent; Olsen replied that market changes and past business failures justify an interim study to inform policy and potential support for producers seeking higher-quality niche markets.

Votes at a glance

- SJ 23 — Motion: “Do pass” on interim study resolution. Mover: Sen. Kirby. Outcome: approved on roll call, 6–5.

The resolution will proceed as a committee bill for interim study work during the legislative interim.