Mountain roots food project will increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products in southwest colorado

This project will expand and connect the infrastructure of five midtier value chain enterprises food hubs through the establishment of a new food hub facility in gunnison and the expansion of four hubtohub distribution routes meeting increased demand with greater efficiency and reliability. Simultaneously the project will develop the wholesale market for localregional specialty crops utilizing a threeyear regional marketing education and outreach campaign alongside annual agritourism events and five speeddating events connecting chefs and producers. The anticipated outcome is to increase local food purchases from 344 producers by 3.8 million over three years benefiting farmers ranchers processors and other stakeholders across the region. This initiative will provide these producers with reliable pathways to new wider markets while simultaneously giving new and existing markets access to a wider number of producers and products. The projects goal is to strengthen the entire food supply chain supporting economic growth and food security within the communities of southwest colorado.