This year we received over 16 incredible applications for the Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program–each one bursting with creativity, passion, and a clear vision for strengthening our state's grain economy.

Photo Credit: Matt Maenpaa

By Audrey Paugh

October 6th, 2025

What would you do with $5,000?

We asked Colorado's grain community, and wow, did they deliver. This year we received over 16 incredible applications for the Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program–each one bursting with creativity, passion, and a clear vision for strengthening our state's grain economy.

Our dedicated review committee had the tough (and honestly, inspiring) job of choosing just six. Thanks to support from the USDA Organic Market Development Grant, Walton Family Foundation, and community members like you, we're investing $30,000 directly into the makers who transform Colorado-grown organic grains into the foods and beverages that bring us together.

Here's who's taking their grain game to the next level:

High Desert Bagels, Durango

Expanding Production for a Bagel Business Exclusively Sourcing Organic Colorado Grown Flour

Madalene Andoe-Leggett runs High Desert Bagel, a wholesale and retail bakery in Durango that's 100% committed to Colorado-grown, certified organic grains. Every single bagel showcases local flour.

The project: With the microgrant, Madalene is purchasing equipment that will scale production from 30-40 bagels per batch to 200-250 bagels per mix. That's 5-6 times more bagels–which means 5-6 times more Colorado flour heading out the door and into the local economy.

More bagels = more demand for organic grain farmers. Simple math, beautiful impact.

"I am eternally grateful for the support of Colorado Grain Chain and the work they are doing to expand our state's capacity for resilience and community. I am honored to be a member and to work alongside them in the pursuit of a more robust grain economy." – Madalene Andoe-Leggett, High Desert Bagels

Our Community Eats, Pagosa Springs

NOURISH Pagosa

Our Community Eats runs a nonprofit food pantry in Archuleta County, providing access to nutritious, organic foods for families facing food insecurity. Their bread kitchen is staffed by community volunteers who bake with care–and now they'll be baking with Colorado grains.

The project: The microgrant will fund baking and storage equipment, plus secure grains for their bread kitchen. More families will have access to nutrient-dense bread made from Colorado organic grains. Even better? Patrons can take grains home for their own baking, spreading knowledge and access throughout the community.

This is what local grain economies can do: nourish communities with dignity, nutrition, and connection.

"We are so thankful to receive the Colorado Grain Chain Grant. It gives us the opportunity to bake bread with Colorado's beautiful organic grains that are full of nutrients. It fills us with joy to be able to give this precious bread to folks struggling to have bread of any kind. Colorado Grain Chain's gift will spread these wholesome grains to so many beyond measure." – Katherine Solbert, President/Executive Director, Our Community Eats

Pastificio Boulder, Boulder

Organic Colorado Grains Make Delicious Pastas!

Pastificio Boulder crafts fresh and dry pastas using 100% organic specialty wheat. They're all about showcasing the unique flavors that specialty grains bring to your plate.

The project: In partnership with organic farmers, they're creating an educational video series that follows grain from field to mill to pasta. The goal? Help people taste the difference while understanding why these grains are vital to Colorado's ecosystems, economy, and communities.

It's storytelling that connects eaters to growers–and reminds us that the grain we eat has a story worth telling.

"Unfortunately, our modern industrial food system is broken and simply and sadly does not offer American consumers “real food” anymore.

But fortunately, there are a growing number of stand-out farmers who understand this problem and who are committed to regenerating their soils and growing organic food that provides genuine nutrition and health benefits, tastes deeply delicious, and helps sustain the environment in which it’s grown. We are SO happy to work with the Colorado Grain Chain and to partner collaboratively with such amazing farmers throughout Colorado working to restore the benefits of “real” wheat and grains so that we can offer beautiful, healthful pasta to eaters across our state and beyond!" – Ted Steen, Co-founder, Pastificio Boulder

Pueblo Seed & Food Co, Cortez

Cookie Packaging Enhancement

Pueblo Seed & Food grows diverse certified organic grains right on their own farm and bakes 100% whole grain cookies from start to finish. Seed to flour to cookie–all in one place.

The project: Pueblo Seed will switch their cookie packaging to a local, more affordable alternative. Better packaging means lower prices. Lower prices mean more customers. More customers mean they can grow and source more organic grains–creating better markets for the farmers they work with.

It's a beautiful cycle, and it all starts with smarter packaging.

"As organic growers and processors of local grains we are delighted to see the expansion of Colorado Grown Grains into new networks, while broadening its reach. We feel honored to receive the support of the grain chain toward a new packaging solution for our most important value-added product, our artisan cookies. The new cardboard boxes will cover 7-8 cookie types and yet keep the brand we created coherent and beautiful, even though we will be missing our tins! In addition, CGC's support means that we will be able to offer a good price point of the whole grain cookies, so they reach a greater segment of the population." - Nanna Meyer, Co-founder, Pueblo Seed & Food Co

Rye Resurgence Project, San Luis Valley

Resurgence Rye Gin Creation Project

Created in 2024, the Rye Resurgence Project has been busy building a network of farmers, bakers, millers, brewers, maltsters, distillers, restaurants, and more–all working to increase use of San Luis Valley rye.

The project: They're partnering with Mythology Distillery to create an artisan gin that will become a mainstay in their spirit lineup. This isn't a one-off project–it's about creating sustained, long-term demand for SLV farmers.

When a distillery commits to local rye as a signature ingredient, farmers can plan ahead. That's the kind of partnership that builds resilient grain economies. Why rye you might ask? Rye is particularly beneficial for Colorado's soil and water health. Learn more about the impacts here.

"We are honored and excited to receive this micro-grant from the Colorado Grain Chain. With these funds we can continue to grow the market for rye, work with local crafters to create top-of-the-line rye products, support our natural resources, and keep farmers farming. Every small step counts." - Daniel Boyes, Executive Director, Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration

Community Agriculture Alliance, Steamboat Springs

Growing Northwest Colorado's Organic Grain Market: Supporting Makers and Building Local Food Connections

Community Agriculture Alliance is a nonprofit supporting agricultural producers and value-added makers in Northwest Colorado. They're working to revive what was once a thriving regional grain economy.

The project: The microgrant will help them create opportunities for makers to access organic grains while amplifying awareness through storytelling and marketing. They're weaving grain back into the cultural fabric of the Yampa Valley.

"Northwest Colorado once had a thriving grain supply, and we're excited to help bring that back to our community. Thanks to support from the Colorado Grain Chain grant, we look forward to creating new opportunities for local makers and integrating regionally grown grain into everyday life in the Yampa Valley." – Amber Pougiales, Executive Director, Community Agriculture Alliance

Why This Matters

These six microgrants support the makers and innovators who are the bridge between farms and tables. As our Executive Director Lisa Boldt puts it:

"This round of Microgrants highlights the end stage of the supply chain, supporting the makers who transform organic grains into finished products. They are the bridge connecting Coloradans to agriculture through foods and beverages made with locally grown grains, which helps the entire grain value chain grow stronger."

From Durango to Steamboat Springs, these projects are supporting jobs, building markets for farmers, educating consumers, and nourishing communities with wholesome food.

And there's more work ahead. More grain to grow. More makers to support. More communities hungry to connect. Stay tuned for the 2026 round of CGC Microgrants–coming soon!

Want to Support These Businesses?

Buy their products – Look for High Desert Bagels, Pueblo Seed & Food cookies, Pastificio Boulder pasta, and Resurgence Rye Gin
Share their stories – Spread the word about what these innovators are doing
Stay tuned – We'll be sharing updates as these projects unfold and releasing the 2026 microgrant round soon

The 2025 Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program is made possible through the USDA Organic Market Development Grant, Walton Family Foundation, and community members like you,

Want to help us support future microgrant rounds? Donate or join as a member to simply keep championing local grains in your everyday choices.

Together, we're building a grain economy that works for everyone.

Let's keep growing!

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