Southwest Food and Farmland Forum

Southwest Food & Farmland Forum

A grassroots effort to secure our food, farmland, and future.

November 12, 2011
8:30AM to 4:00PM (Reception 4-5:30PM)

Lewis Arriola Community Center
21651 Rd. South, Cortez, CO
Google Map
The Lewis Arriola Community Center is located approximately 7.5 miles N. of Cortez on U.S. HWY 491. Coming through Cortez, bear right onto 491 just past the Dry Dock Restaurant. (Coming from Telluride or Dolores, take 145 to 184 then west to 491). Turn West from HWY 491 on to County Rd. S at the old Mac’s Liquor. The Community Center is approximately 0.8 miles on the left. 

The SW Food & Farmland Forum will provide an opportunity for producers, buyers, and community leaders to coordinate efforts and to think strategically about the region's food and farm future. Participants will be given the opportunity to create concrete actions to address issues such as fostering the next generation of farmers, preserving irrigated agricultural land, creating markets and value added opportunities for local products, keeping small and midsized farms viable, expanding access to nutritious foods, and more.

The day includes continental breakfast, lunch and reception showcasing local products.

More information: Laura Parker at 970.275.3409 or RSVP

Sponsors: Southwest Basin Roundtable, Rocky Mountain Farmer's Union, Walton Family Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, LiveWell Montezuma, CSU Extension - La Plata County, CSU Extension - Montezuma County, Montezuma County Economic Development Association, and NewFarms.

Agenda (in pdf form)

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.             Coffee, tea and light pastries served

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.       Welcome and Introductions
Opening Speaker: Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.         Panel discussion:
1) The challenges of protecting irrigated agricultural lands and possible solutions
2) Educating and supporting beginning and small/mid-size farmers
3) Local food markets wholesale and direct marketing
4) Food security – food access/nutrition issues and community education

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.         Break

11:15 a.m. – noon       Continue panel discussion.

Noon – 1:00 p.m.       Lunch provided

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.         Break-out groups led by a facilitator:
1. Preserving irrigated agricultural lands
2. Education of and support for farmers/ranchers
3. Local food markets
4. Food security

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.         Break

2:45 – 3: 45 p.m.        Report back from each group and general discussion.

3:45     Wrap up and thanks

4:00     Adjourn Forum

4:00 – 5:30      Reception for Forum participants