Farm2LocalBiz Event Fosters Stronger Ties Between Northern Colorado Producers and Businesses

In a concerted effort to bridge the gap between local agriculture and commerce, the inaugural Farm2LocalBiz Networking Event gathered over 100 attendees, including producers, chefs, and distributors, to catalyze partnerships aimed at boosting the local food economy. Held on Nov. 12 at Colorado State University’s Durrell Center, the event featured Northern Colorado producers providing a taste of their diverse array of products, ranging from salad greens and mushrooms to meats and honey.

These regional growers and ranchers had the opportunity to exhibit their goods, engaging directly with industry representatives, where the likes of Dennis Lacerte of Belafonte Farm could be found stating, according toLarimer County, “The event was incredibly helpful as a producer. When producers can meet buyers such as restaurants, institutions, wholesalers, and food hubs, connections are made and more local business can occur.”

Jessica Callen, an Agriculture and Natural Resource Specialist for Larimer County CSU Extension, highlighted the challenges local agricultural producers face in accessing commercial markets, with Farm2LocalBiz’s debut, they hope that this dynamic shifts, promoting a stronger integration of local foods in businesses, which was supported by a financial incentive, a $100 discount for businesses on their inaugural purchase from producers met at the event.

Ensuring the event’s success and future potential was a collaborative effort, supported by a constellation of local entities including the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center which also provided funding assistance, and other partners such as the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development, the Northern Colorado Foodshed Project, and Poudre Valley Community Farms all playing vital roles to foster an economy that favors local sourcing and strengthens the fabric of Northern Colorado’s food system.

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