About Local Farms First

In the spirit of informing you all about ORE's various programs, and since Spring is almost here, I figured that now would be as good a time as ever to deliver a short blurb on Local Farms First, an ORE program that, true to its name, attempts to spotlight Western Colorado's small farms and grow community support for their heroic efforts.  Local Farms First is run by over 50 local farms, and all of the profits from the program go directly to these farmers to help bolster their livelyhoods.  Though this all sounds fairly familiar, Local Farms First has at least one unconventional twist; namely, buyers can order all manner of veggies, dairy, eggs, and other produce online.  Much as I tend to frown upon the modern age's obsession with convenience and electronic gizmos, I must consent that at least in this case they are being used for a worthy cause.  Customers can then have the food delivered to their homes.  Local Farms First endeavors to fill the gaps in local farmers markets' coverage, offering their food to people across the Western Slope.  Another great thing about these farms is that they grow all of their food without commercial chemicals or other vestiges of commercial food production operations, and all of their food is, as such, certified as "USDA Organic."  So, if you're looking to buy even a little local food, supporting these ladies and gentlemen and their worthy efforts isn't a bad idea by any stretch of the imagination.  Thanks to Local Farms First, not only do people have a great way to buy local food, but the farmers also have a unique way to bring their great food to local markets, perhaps feeding people that they ordinarily would not be able to reach.

Oh, and I should probably mention, despite my already-publicized aversion to "modern communication" (read: the internet, especially Facebook) that there is currently a promotion going on that could win Local Farms First a $5,000 grant.  The contest is based on Facebook, and whichever Colorado project gets the most votes will win the grant.  So, some of you "social media" types may want to check this out.  You can visit Resourceefficiency.org or visit this link.  https://www.facebook.com/alpineinitiatives/app_338326519610410