A Mancos-based farm-produce cooperative has won a grant to create an online market that is scheduled to debut for Durango-area residents by mid-July.

The Southwest Farm Fresh Cooperative, which was created about a year ago, received $9,895 from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to launch the farm-to-consumer online market.

Durango is the first target area, but direct delivery could expand to Cortez, Rico and Telluride, said Ole Bye, whose Local Food Logic became the 18-member cooperative when he realized the project was more than one person could handle.

Unlike customers who pre-pay, sight unseen, for a basket of farm produce every week, online shoppers will log on to the cooperative’s website where they will be able to see what members produce.

Customers can then leave orders, which will be delivered most likely Thursday evenings to a yet-to-be created depot in Durango for pick up by the purchaser.

Most cooperative members, who are found from Chimney Rock to Dolores County, grow vegetables, but there is a rainbow trout farm and a producer each of beef and pork, Bye said.

The cooperative currently serves about 35 restaurants and wholesale buyers. They also will be able to buy online.

Three refrigerated cargo trailers, constructed by Hiebco Trailers in Gem Village, have been acquired by the cooperative for produce delivery, Bye said.

They were purchased in September 2014 with a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

daler@durangoherald.com