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HELENA- Economic forecasters are predicting a 2% growth in Montana's economy this year.

University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research launched its statewide series of seminars on Tuesday.

Director Patrick Barkey says Montana's economic recovery is still stuck in the starting gate. He says last year the economy grew 0.7%.

This year Barkey says Montana is expected to pick up a little and out-pace the national average.

"The things that are growing are energy and also agriculture, both of those doing fairly well. There's challenges ahead for them but they appear to be on a good path," Barkey says.

Barkey says tourism, wood products and the federal government's presence also play key factors in Montana's economic growth.