Colorado Proud

Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to list their business in a publication reaching more than 85,000 consumers across our state. The 2022 Colorado Farm Fresh directory, released annually in June by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell direct to the public. 

Every January, a resolution-driven population commits to improving their eating habits, thinking harder about food choices that are nutritiously and economically sustainable. Thanks to Colorado farmers, ranchers and producers, local-food options make it easier than ever to stick to this resolution, adding extra value to our lives well beyond the New Year timeframe. 

As the temperatures drop, we can look forward to warming up with the many chili recipes available. Start the year off right with a well rounded meal to cover all your food groups. This month, enjoy a bowl of Colorado Red Chili!  

Even in the winter, you can still find fresh produce in Colorado. Greenhouses and high-tech storage facilities let us shop local even during the coldest months of the year. Gourds store especially well in the right conditions. Many of our Colorado Proud farmers provide winter squash, which you can find at local retailers or winter farmers markets. 

Pork and hominy come together in a stew to warm the soul. Preparing and cooking stews that can feed groups of any size makes life a bit easier, especially during the holiday season. Set your table with decorative ears of dried corn and small gourds or pumpkins, and you’ll be ready to enjoy Colorado’s traditional flavors. 

Applications are now open to Colorado farmers, ranchers, and food businesses looking to show they’re Colorado Proud. The Colorado Proud Marketing and Technical Assistance grant program will award competitive grants to Colorado food and agricultural producers who are looking to broaden their reach and expand into new sales channels.  

September brings us to the cusp of fall, so the Colorado Proud Recipe of the month is bringing a warm and savory classic. We are taking the world famous Pueblo Green Chile and adding it to a corn bread to complement your main entree.

Receiving the highest praise and the first-ever Governor’s Plate award, the Papa Mario’s Grilled Cheese Food Truck was crowned the winner at the Colorado State Fair’s inaugural Colorado-sourced food competition. The Governor’s Plate winner was the Panfili grilled cheese, prepared with ingredients from Colorado Proud producers, including Musso Farms and Springside Cheese. 

August brings a bounty of produce for all to enjoy, especially since that's when Colorado's sweet corn is in season! Chef Jason Morse takes a classic like grilled street corn and adds a little Hawaiian style.

“Governor’s Plate” Event to Feature Colorado Sourced Ingredients

To highlight Colorado’s diverse and unbeatable agricultural products and chefs, Governor Jared Polis has announced the inaugural “Governor’s Plate” competition to debut at the 2021 Colorado State Fair. The competitors will partner with Colorado Proud to select Colorado-grown ingredients, including the Pueblo chile, to incorporate in their dishes.