Blog Post

From Frost Protection to Energy Generation: The Promise of 'Vitivoltaics'

A decade-long vision to secure the future of Colorado's wine industry just took a monumental leap. At CSU's Orchard Mesa Research Station, three rows of towering solar panels now stand guard over a chardonnay vineyard, pioneering the study of how agrivoltaics can protect grapes from frost and hail while also generating power.

Roots to Revenue: High Altitude and Global Flavor

In 2025, we have seen that in most foreign markets, long-term consumer spending trends show declining expenditure shares for staples (like rice and wheat) and increasing shares for higher value food items—such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Food suppliers and retailers have responded to demand by modifying their products and retail formats to better meet consumer needs. Additionally, multinational retailers have expanded in developing countries. 

Spooky Season Food Events

October ushers in gorgeous fall colors in our high country, and cooler temperatures. Winter is getting closer!  

As business owners know, attending local events is a strategic move that can help build relationships, test products, grow their brand, and establish a meaningful presence in their community. As luck would have it, October is a great month for foodies and food businesses in Colorado, check out these events:

Ag Workforce Development Program: Sowing the Seeds of a Career

For Natalie Ross, a Greenhouse Production intern for the City of Fort Collins, the path to her dream job in a botanic garden greenhouse became clearer with each seedling she transplanted. On a cloudy day in late April, Natalie was transplanting lettuce varieties into sixpack flats, readying them for the annual seedling sale at the Gardens on Spring Creek.

Roots to Revenue: A Peak at 2026 Food Trends

September means the new year is just around the corner! This is a good time to start planning for 2026, and taking a look at the upcoming trends can give us some insights into what we can expect.

According to Brainz Magazine (2026 Food Trends), there are 3 main factors that will drive food trends in 2026.

Cultivating Gratitude: Recognizing Colorado's Essential Agricultural Workforce

As we take in the landscapes of Colorado, from the sweeping Eastern Plains to the fertile valleys of the Western Slope, we are reminded of the people who help sustain our communities: our agricultural workers.

These dedicated men and women rise with the sun and often work long past dusk. Their labor, steadfast, skilled, and unrelenting, feeds not only our families but communities across the nation. Every ear of corn, crate of peaches, bale of hay, and gallon of milk carries the story of their hard work and unwavering commitment.