Douglas Crabtree

Douglas Crabtree is the proprietor of Vilicus Farms, a first-generation organic farm located in Montana that operates across 12,500 acres and is dedicated to diverse crop production and integrated livestock operations. As a sole proprietorship registered in SAM.gov since 2015, Vilicus Farms is a for-profit organization that has consistently received federal grant awards focused on agricultural development, organic market expansion, and sustainability initiatives. The farm is known for its commitment to climate-resilient agricultural practices and has established itself as a model for innovative organic farming approaches that emphasize crop diversity and ecological stewardship.

Vilicus Farms has secured multiple federal grant awards from civilian agencies, primarily the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and Rural Business Cooperative Services. Their most recent significant grant, a $100,000 Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG), aims to upgrade seed cleaning equipment and expand organic grain, legume, and animal feed production. The grant will enable the farm to increase direct sales, develop organic seed markets, and support regional agricultural infrastructure by cleaning crops for other organic producers. Previous grants include a COVID-19 relief grant supporting food processor safety and a Renewable Energy System (RES) grant, demonstrating the farm's multifaceted approach to agricultural innovation. The farm collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including distilleries, bakeries, and organic agricultural cooperatives across four states, with a focus on creating identity-preserved organic products and expanding market opportunities for organic agriculture.