With growing inventories of tree shrubs and vegetables, Patrick Totty wanted to expand the presence of his diversified greenery beyond the Ignacio area.
The Zion Farms founder and owner obtained a business permit in May by working with the Durango Farmers Market, which Totty said was for insurance purposes. The goal is to help provide extra produce for grocery stores across Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio.
Zion Farms, located at 4092 County Road 510 about 7 miles northeast of Durango-La Plata County Airport, launched in 2013 and started growing industrial hemp for CBD extraction seven or eight years ago, Totty said. The farm started growing lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and other seasonal vegetables like zucchini and squash this year in its greenhouse.
The farm “cranked up” wholesale tree and shrub production – including spruce and maple trees – this year for people to add to their outdoor yard or for new landscaping projects in the works, Totty said. The farm grew 8,000 new trees this year.
“We’re going to be converting our front 25 acres to trees and shrubs for ornamentals to sell,” he said, adding they could also be sold via retail outlets at a later date. “It’ll be whole sale (for now), and we’re hoping to pick up some people we haven’t established yet just because trees are more of a long-term thing for us. They take years to grow.”
Totty said there are many new businesses starting to pop up across the county he’d like to connect with, adding he’s noticed continued growth in places such as Durango’s Three Springs subdivision.
Totty said that because the cannabis market started deteriorating in recent times, the farm shifted its focus to vegetable and tree production.
Going forward, Totty said the farm plans to ramp up 50,000 square feet of greenhouse space to extend its season.
Venturing out to the Durango Farmers Market every weekend, Totty said he’s seen plenty of customer interest in Zion Farms’ produce, which is helping the farm grow its presence further.
mhollinshead@durangoherald.com
