Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to submit their listings for the 2023 Farm Fresh Directory, published annually by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The directory, which will be released in June, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell directly to the public.
Nearly all Coloradans want to support our state’s agricultural industry, according to a new public opinion survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado State University (CSU). The survey shows 98 percent of respondents agreed that Colorado's food and ag industry is important to the state's future economic development; that the presence of ranches, farms, and agriculture is important to the quality of life in Colorado; and that it is important to maintain land and water in Colorado for agricultural purposes.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Program Manager to oversee a new Agricultural and Food System Development unit within the Markets Division.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has launched the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program, a new financially inclusive lending program that offers financing to farmers, ranchers, and agriculturally supportive business owners who have the skills, training, and vision to succeed, but simply lack funding. CDA has selected First Southwest Bank, based in Alamosa, as the official lending partner of the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired Mickey Davis to lead the new Community Food Access Program in CDA’s Markets Division. In her position, she will oversee the creation of the new program that aims to improve availability and affordability of healthy food in communities across Colorado that struggle with food access.
Livestock owners looking for alfalfa, grass, mix, or other hay products can connect directly with hay producers in their region of Colorado by using the 2022 Colorado Hay Directory. The directory listings include the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status, and identifies organic hay.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting listings for the 2022 Colorado Hay Directory. The annual publication connects hay producers with buyers.
“The Hay Directory is a great way for livestock owners across the state and beyond to easily find the feed they need,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We know how busy our livestock producers are, and so by publishing our annual Hay Directory we can take some of the legwork out for them.”
To strengthen local food systems and create greater supply chain resilience, the Colorado Department of Agriculture will distribute grant funding to be used for agricultural processing projects. Up to $2 million will be awarded through a competitive Farm-to-Market Infrastructure Grant Program to help farmers, ranchers, food processors and manufacturers improve local food systems and drive the development and expansion of agricultural value-added projects.