Our Vision
We envision a future where every household, food and beverage business, and craft artisan uses and values locally grown grains. We want Colorado-grown grains in craft beers, artisan spirits, kitchens, and on menus wherever people live and gather.
What We Do
Build
We build the Colorado grain supply chain by supporting infrastructure growth and market development. We do this through our annual microgrant programs that fund key projects aimed at expanding and expediting operations and communicating the value of local grains. Additionally, we offer branding aimed at uplifting Colorado-grown grains for consumers.
Connect
We connect the members in the Colorado supply chain to one another to help buyers and sellers — farmers, processors, makers, and consumers — create relationships and get Colorado grains from the field to the table. We do this through events that range from happy hours to the annual Colorado Grain Summit, as well as our online Grain Exchange tool which facilitates connections virtually.
Educate
We educate the community about the potential of local grain and share lessons of how to create a local system and work with local varieties. This involves educational events such as panels and field and facility tours. It also involves sharing resources and news about grain, writing stories about our members, and creating videos and media that showcase the chain and the importance of each of its links.
Our Values
Community Connection
Building relationships is how we grow together. We connect growers, makers, and grain lovers.
Equity & Access
Everyone deserves access to nourishing, locally produced food—and to the education, connections, and resources that make it possible.
Land Stewardship
We celebrate practices that nurture the land and restore soil health and biodiversity for future generations.
Transparency
We celebrate heritage, ancient and locally-adapted grain, inclusive of diverse farming practices.
Quality & Craftsmanship
Exceptional food starts with exceptional ingredients. We support artisans who value outstanding nutrition and flavor.
Why This Work Is Important
Grain has been a food staple across the world for over ten thousand years. Today it's used in breads, pastas, pastries, beverages, and more. By some estimates, grains account for 30 to 50 percent of the average diet — valued for their taste and nutrients.
However, like many food and beverage products, grain often is not sourced locally. Instead, it travels thousands of miles before reaching the table. This lengthy supply chain adds price, decreases quality and control, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and disconnects us from the unique taste of place that comes from products grown and produced in a region.
The Colorado Grain Chain believes in rooting our grain system here in Colorado. Building a regional supply chain supports economic resilience for local farmers and businesses by reducing dependence on external systems. It promotes growing practices that nurture soil health and crops better suited to withstand drought. Locally milled grains often contain higher levels of nutrients, and their fresh, rich flavors lend themselves to specialty products. Most importantly, a regional system creates opportunities for direct connection and lasting relationships from business owner to business owner — neighbor to neighbor.
However, like many food and beverage products, grain often is not sourced locally. Instead, it travels thousands of miles before reaching the table. This lengthy supply chain adds price, decreases quality and control, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and disconnects us from the unique taste of place that comes from products grown and produced in a region.
The Colorado Grain Chain believes in rooting our grain system here in Colorado. Building a regional supply chain supports economic resilience for local farmers and businesses by reducing dependence on external systems. It promotes growing practices that nurture soil health and crops better suited to withstand drought. Locally milled grains often contain higher levels of nutrients, and their fresh, rich flavors lend themselves to specialty products. Most importantly, a regional system creates opportunities for direct connection and lasting relationships from business owner to business owner — neighbor to neighbor.