A new wholesale distribution cooperative for local farmers and ranchers officially launched earlier this month under the banner Southwest Farm Fresh: A Farm and Ranch Cooperative.
The new group of about 20 producers from all over the region plans to start wholesale distribution to restaurants, hospitals and schools this summer.
The group has no doubt that the demand for local food is huge.
“The problem is not going to be selling our product, the problem is going to be we’re not going to have enough product to sell,” said Vic Vanik, a board member.
Vanic, an owner of Four Seasons Greenhouse, said he hasn’t been able to keep up with the demand from restaurants in Telluride.
The group hopes by working together, members will be able open new markets and, at the same time, cut delivery costs for local growers, allowing them to reinvest in their farms, said Gabe Eggers, a board member.
The steering committee for the group formed in December. This month it elected a board and chose the name.
LiveWell Montezuma and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union have provided money for a distribution manager, who will start in May, said JoDee Powers, coordinator for LiveWell Montezuma.
“We’re using that money as seed money to get this off the ground,” she said.
The group is pursuing grants and loans to fund a building and equipment, Powers said.
The group drew producers from all over the region including Bayfield, Redmesa and Hesperus.
“My whole career, I’ve dreamed of a distribution co-op,” said Miles Gallagher, a farmer near Mancos.
Many of the farmers said they would love to expand their operations, but they spend too much time delivering food.
Matt Brewer, a Bayfield farmer, sees co-ops as a way to increase food security.
“I believe it is the future of local agriculture,” he said.
The co-op will not be accepting new members until the next year, but it is compiling a database of local buyers. For more information, email lwmontezuma@gmail.com.
mshinn@cortezjournal.com
