Vendor Spotlight: Montana Roots

In 2012, Sam Mascari returned to his hometown of Livingston to start his journey to provide his community with year-round local food. Originally, Montana Roots began with no-heat greenhouse techniques. A no-heat greenhouse technique is done through the optimization of insulation, which is done through the sun's natural heat combined with the heat from compost piles. This technique is ideal for year-round farming in cold climates such as Montana, using natural resources and sustainable practices.

This was Montana Roots' primary technique for growing sprouts until Sophie Koopmeiners joined the team in January 2020 as the greenhouse manager. With her degree in sustainable food systems and horticulture, she developed the aquaponic system that Montana Roots uses today! 

An aquaponic system works much like a no-heat greenhouse system; the only difference is that instead of soil, fish are used to create fertilizer that is recycled through the system. The fish provide the fertilizer, and the plants, in turn, purify the water for the fish. 

From vibrant Pea Shoots to nutrient-packed Sunflower Micros and flavorful mixes like Spicy & Spring Micro Mix and Mammoth Broc Micro, Montana Roots brings the freshest, most nutrient-packed microgreens right to our shelves.

Next time you're at The Co-op, look for Montana Roots' microgreens and taste the difference that local, sustainable farming makes.