Our Story
The Colorado Grain Chain (CGC) grew out of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Grain School, a conference series launched in 2016 by Dr. Nanna Meyer. At the 2018 Grain School, a group of volunteer leaders from across Colorado's grain community came together and identified a critical gap: no organization was connecting the many people and businesses that make up Colorado's local grain economy.
From that shared vision, the Colorado Grain Chain was formed, officially becoming a nonprofit in May 2019. CGC was created to build connections across the grain supply chain—bringing together farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, advocates, and others working to strengthen Colorado's local grain economy.
One of CGC's founding board members was Andy Clark, founder of Moxie Bread Co. and a beloved member of Colorado's grain community. Andy helped shape the collaborative, community-centered spirit that remains central to CGC's work. He died tragically in November 2022 and continues to be remembered as an important part of CGC's history.
Today, CGC is a staff-led, board-advised 501(c)(3) nonprofit with four staff members and a nine-member board representing businesses and advocates connected to Colorado's local grain system. Through membership, events like the Colorado Grain Summit, the CGC Microgrants Program, storytelling, and statewide relationship-building, CGC continues its founding mission: growing and connecting a vibrant, community-centered grain economy in Colorado.
From that shared vision, the Colorado Grain Chain was formed, officially becoming a nonprofit in May 2019. CGC was created to build connections across the grain supply chain—bringing together farmers, millers, maltsters, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, advocates, and others working to strengthen Colorado's local grain economy.
One of CGC's founding board members was Andy Clark, founder of Moxie Bread Co. and a beloved member of Colorado's grain community. Andy helped shape the collaborative, community-centered spirit that remains central to CGC's work. He died tragically in November 2022 and continues to be remembered as an important part of CGC's history.
Today, CGC is a staff-led, board-advised 501(c)(3) nonprofit with four staff members and a nine-member board representing businesses and advocates connected to Colorado's local grain system. Through membership, events like the Colorado Grain Summit, the CGC Microgrants Program, storytelling, and statewide relationship-building, CGC continues its founding mission: growing and connecting a vibrant, community-centered grain economy in Colorado.
Recent Work
The Colorado Grain Chain’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of growth, resilience, and community strength—even in the face of funding challenges, market uncertainty, tough weather, and limited equipment access. Click here to view the report.
