Growing Forward

USDA Farm Ownership Loans
Provide affordable financing for beginning and established farmers to buy land, improve infrastructure, and expand operations. They offer low interest rates and flexible terms, helping farmers secure a stable foundation for long-term growth and success.

Local Banks

CADA Farm Loan
Offers low-interest financing to help new farmers and ranchers purchase agricultural land
and equipment.

• The Old Fort Incubator Program (Hesperus, CO) – Offers high-elevation land and production support. Participants gain hands-on experience growing crops in mountain conditions, along with mentorship and access to essential farm infrastructure.
• Valley Food Partnership Future Farmer-Incubator (Roaring Fork Valley, CO) – Supports new farmers by providing access to land and mentorship. This program also connects farmers to local food networks, offering insight into CSA models, community engagement, and regional markets.
• Go Farm Incubator Program  (Various Locations, CO) – An inclusive incubator supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, women, refugees, immigrants, and veterans. Participants gain land, equipment, business training, and mentorship in regenerative agriculture practices.

For farmers looking to lease or purchase land, land link programs provide access to opportunities statewide and connect you to resources for starting your operation.

• Guidestone (Various Locations, CO) – Aspiring farmers and ranchers can create a profile, land seekers can be matched with landowners looking to lease or sell their agricultural land. The program also offers guidance on lease agreements, water rights, and other essential aspects of land access.
• Colorado Land Link (Various Locations, CO) – Aspiring farmers and ranchers can use Colorado Land Link to find land for lease or purchase across the state, with guidance on agreements, water rights, and other key access details. Operated by Guidestone.

Some counties and land trusts offer programs for beginning farmers seeking local land, often with additional community support or conservation resources.

• Aspen Valley Landtrust (Aspen, CO)– Provides land stewardship opportunities alongside farming, integrating sustainable practices with community engagement and conservation.
• Pitkin County Open Space (Aspen, CO) – Offers community land access for small-scale agriculture, ideal for farmers looking for a local site with supportive infrastructure. Learn more

• Boulder County Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund Program – Offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to support projects that enhance the local food system. Eligible initiatives include farmer education, sustainable food processing, market infrastructure, and support for frontline farm workers.
• MAD Capital – provide capital to test new ideas and grow regenerative skills, while Equipment & Infrastructure Loans help acquire necessary tools and facilities.

• BIPOC land justice initiatives:
  • The Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act helps socially disadvantaged farmers by forgiving USDA loans and providing funding for scholarships, legal aid, and technical support, reducing debt and strengthening operations. 
  • The Heirs’ Property Relending Program assists farmers in resolving inherited land title issues, enabling access to loans and securing family farm ownership.
• Colorado Building Farmers and Ranchers Program – Provides beginning farmers with practical tools for managing risk, developing marketing strategies, planning finances, and running day-to-day farm operations.
• CSU Extension’s Agriculture & Business Management program–  Teaches enterprise budgeting, financial planning, insurance options, and succession planning, helping farmers build a strong and resilient business foundation.
• Specialty Block Crop Grant – Looking to enhance the competitiveness of your specialty crops through projects such as marketing, research, education, and infrastructure development.

• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program – Funds organizations that offer education, mentorship, and technical support to help new farmers and ranchers start and succeed in agriculture.
• 1st Southwest Community Fund
  • Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program: Offers financing to beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as businesses involved in transforming, packaging, processing, storing, or grading Colorado farm or ranch products. This program is designed to support the growth and development of agricultural enterprises.
  • Rural-Led Business Fund: Provides access to funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural Colorado through loans, education, and technical assistance. This fund supports businesses that are in the process of establishing or expanding their operations.
  • Fortaleza Fund: Designed to give access to funding and education for entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural Colorado. This fund assists businesses in building their capacity and infrastructure.
  • CLIMBER Loan Fund: Provides flexible working capital to existing and new businesses across rural Colorado to build back rural economies. This fund is suitable for businesses looking to scale their operations and strengthen their financial foundation.
• USDA Loans – offers a variety of loan programs to support farmers and ranchers. These loans are primarily available in two forms: Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans. Direct Loans are provided directly by the FSA, while Guaranteed Loans are made by USDA-approved lenders with the backing of the FSA.
  • Farm Ownership Loans:To purchase, enlarge, or improve a farm or ranch, or to promote soil and water conservation.
  • Farm Operating Loans: To finance the cost of operating a farm, including purchasing livestock, seed, equipment, and supplies.
  • Microloans: To assist small and beginning farmers with less paperwork and lower costs.
  • Debt Consolidation Loans: To merge multiple farm operating debts into a single loan, potentially reducing interest rates and simplifying payments.
  • Guaranteed Farm Loans:  To help farmers obtain loans from commercial lenders with FSA providing a guarantee.
  • Emergency Loans: To help farmers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters

• 0% Interest Loans

• • SOIL Boulder (Boulder) – A local financing and investment network that provides low-interest loans, grants, and support for sustainable farms and food businesses in the Boulder area. SOIL Boulder helps beginning farmers access capital, mentorship, and connections to local food networks.
  • Four Corners Slow Money (Durango) – Part of the national Slow Money movement, this program focuses on investing in local, sustainable food and farm enterprises in the Four Corners region. Farmers can access patient capital, low-interest loans, and community investment to grow operations aligned with regenerative and local food systems.
  • SOIL Sangre de Cristo (South Central Colorado)  – A regional branch of SOIL that provides financial resources, mentorship, and support for farmers and food entrepreneurs in South Central Colorado. Focuses on connecting farmers with low-interest loans and community investment to strengthen sustainable agriculture in the region
  • 2Forks Club (Roaring and North Fork Valley, Colorado Basin between Vail and Palisade) – A membership-based revolving loan fund offering 0% interest loans to farmers and food entrepreneurs in the Roaring and North Fork Valleys. The program supports land acquisition, farm infrastructure, equipment, and operating costs, emphasizing local food system growth and community resilience.

• Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program – Offers financial support to new farmers, making it easier to access land, equipment, and infrastructure while starting a farm business.
• Go Farm Equipment Rental – gives farmers access to essential tools and machinery without the burden of ownership — letting them rent items like tillers, seeders, and hoop houses while GoFarm handles maintenance and coordination.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Hoop House Initiative– provides farmers and ranchers with technical and financial support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Instead of removing land from production, it helps maintain or improve agricultural output while protecting soil, water, and other natural resources.
• CSU – Agricultural Hydropower Generation – provides guidance on implementing small-scale hydropower systems for farms, utilizing existing pressurized irrigation systems, ditches, or agricultural dams. 
• CSU – Agrivoltaics Innvoation – explores the integration of solar photovoltaic systems with agricultural production, known as agrivoltaics. This approach allows farmers to generate electricity while cultivating crops beneath solar panels, potentially reducing irrigation needs and enhancing resilience to climate stressors.
• CSU – Irrigation Ditches and their Operation – offers resources on efficient irrigation practices, including guides on irrigation ditch operations, water conveyance systems, and reservoir management.

• Drought Leadership Training and Drought Advisors – Equips farmers with strategies to manage drought risks for crops, livestock, and water resources, supporting long-term farm resilience in a changing climate.
• Colorado Farm & Food Alliance (COFFA) – Provides beginning farmers with workshops, citizen science projects, and small farm grants while helping them map and understand local foodsheds.
• Master Irrigator Course – Helps farmers implement efficient irrigation systems and improve water management for their land.
• Rural Development Disaster Assistance – programs that offer a range of resources to help farmers and rural communities recover from natural disasters. 
• Water Rights Information – provides essential information on water rights, including the Colorado Doctrine and the Clean Water Act, which are crucial for managing water resources and ensuring compliance.
• Colorado Water Knowledge –  offers data on water quality, hydrology, and climate trends, aiding farmers in making informed decisions about water usage and environmental stewardship.
• Range Management – offers educational events—webinars, workshops, and field days—focused on topics like drought planning, soil health in rangelands, livestock behavior, restoration, and adaptive grazing strategies. 
• The Pueblo County Extension office– provides a range of educational programs and resources to support local agriculture and natural resource management
  • Soil & Crop Testing — Access to laboratory services to test soil, hay, and crop samples to inform fertility and crop decisions.
  • Crop Variety Performance Trials — Unbiased trial data on different crop varieties to help farmers choose what grows best locally.
  • Irrigation Timing & Water Management — Guidance on scheduling irrigation for specialty crops and efficient water use.
  • Dryland Cropping Systems & Best Practices — Resources on managing crops without irrigation, suited to arid or semi-arid conditions.
  • Pest, Disease & Nutrient Management — Educational materials and fact sheets on topics like nematodes, pesticide safety, manure use, and plant health.

• Colorado Department of Agriculture Rural Mental Health Resources – Offers mental health resources for rural communities in Colorado.
• Seed Peace (Roaring Fork Valley and Virginia’s New River Valley)- Honors Casey Piscura by offering grants and support that nurture the well-being of regenerative farmers, sustaining those who care for the land and grow nourishing food.

Ag Business Management Resources
Business planning tool offering templates and resources to help farmers develop comprehensive business plans.

Agricultural Business B.S.

Farmers strengthen their business and management skills, enabling them to run more efficient and profitable operations. By covering the full cycle from production to pricing and policy, it equips farmers to scale sustainably and make strategic decisions that support long-term growth.

Decision Making Tools
Provides decision tools, enterprise budgets, and one-on-one consultations to assist in business planning and strategy development.

Two Roots Consulting
Farmers aiming to expand operations sustainably, strengthen networks, and engage in policy and advocacy efforts will benefit from a consult. With over eight years of professional farming experience, Harper offers expertise in whole farm planning, crop production, greenhouse management, marketing, and soil health.

•  Annie’s Project –  fosters a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop networks, and become lifelong learners. Through hands-on activities and expert-led sessions, women gain practical skills and knowledge to confidently manage their agricultural enterprises.
• RMFU Leadership Workshops – provides workshops and training sessions that focus on leadership development, cooperative principles, and effective decision-making, all of which are crucial for farmers in the growth phase.

• Adam Brown’s Farm Management – A comprehensive resource offering practical insights and strategies for managing finances in Colorado’s unique farming environment. 

• CSU Ext. – Ranch Finance Series – A four-part program series covering income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow management for ranchers and farmers.
• The Carrot Project – Financial Guidance – webinars providing farmers and food producers with practical training on financial management, including topics like bookkeeping, cash flow, and financial statement analysis, to enhance their business sustainability and resilience.

Marketing

• Digital Marketing for Farmers – designed for small-scale farmers looking to enhance their online presence and connect with consumers. This 4-week live course where participants will gain the tools and confidence to craft clear and enjoyable marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience.
• Social Media Platforms: Utilize Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to showcase your products and engage with potential customers.
• VOGA & Valley Food Partnership (North Fork)– Connect farmers to regional food networks, offering technical assistance, marketing support, and community engagement. These programs help farmers reach more buyers, improve operational efficiency through coordinated marketing and distribution, and strengthen sustainable, locally based food systems.

Find your Buyers

• Colorado Farm to Market – Offers resources for marketing and selling food products in Colorado, including information on food safety, local buying, and food donations.

• Colorado Market Maker – An interactive resource that connects producers with consumers, helping farmers locate businesses and markets for their agricultural products. 
• Farm Fresh Directory – A directory that helps Coloradans find local farmers and bolster their connection to the land and food grown in Colorado.
• Establish direct relationships with local restaurants and grocery stores

Community Food Integration

• Food Hubs / Aggregators & Shared Logistics
• Community Food Consortium – Partnering with food hubs or aggregators helps farmers pool produce, streamline distribution, and reach larger or more remote buyers. 
• Farm Runners (North Fork)
• Valley Roots Food Hub
• Hearty Provision
• Metro Caring – Provides farmers with a reliable market for fresh, locally grown produce, meat, dairy, and eggs, while prioritizing equitable opportunities for producers from historically marginalized communities.
• Retail Partnerships (Grocery / Co-ops / Stores- Local grocery stores (especially those committed to local sourcing), co-ops, and small retailers can buy directly from farms. Farmers can join networks or directories (like Colorado Proud) to connect with retail buyers.
  • Farm Collaborative – The Farm Collaborative is opening a farm store in Spring 2025 and plans to source produce and products from local growers and producers.
• Food Assistance / Donation / Surplus Sales – Selling surplus produce or donating through work with food banks or “fresh food” programs helps maintain relationships, build community awareness, and reduce waste. 
• Sell to Go Farm –  Aggregates produce from multiple local farms to provide a full season of fresh, sustainably grown food to consumers. Farmers gain expanded market access, learn to manage production and delivery efficiently through shared logistics, and support equitable food systems by supplying consistent, local produce to the community.
• Lift Up – Offers food assistance programs that support low-income households. Farmers can sell to a wider audience, optimize operations by connecting with reliable demand channels, and promote equity by providing nutritious, local food to underserved populations.
• Uproot Colorado – Connects surplus farm produce with food access organizations through volunteer gleaning, field work, and logistics support.

Farm to School & Childcare Programs

• USDA – Farm to School Census – Use this tool to find out which Colorado school districts are already purchasing local foods and what products they are looking for. 

• Farm-to-Child – Gives farmers the opportunity to expand their market reach by supplying healthy, locally produced, and culturally responsive foods to child care providers across the state, while providing a structured roadmap that guides them through roles, regulations, and contacts to effectively navigate and integrate into these unique markets.
• National Farm to School Network – Offers comprehensive support for Stage 3 farmers—those with established operations—by providing resources, training, and networking opportunities to expand their market reach into K–12 schools and early care and education (ECE) settings.
  • Training and Resources: NFSN’s “Bringing the Farm to School” program includes a Producer Workbook, School Business Action Planning Guide, and case studies to help farmers understand how to sell to schools effectively
  • BIPOC Farmer League: This initiative focuses on creating opportunities for BIPOC producers through outreach, training, and community-building to engage in farm to school markets
• Nourish Colorado – Colorado Local Food Program Guidebook, a resource for producers and school meal operators. It provides insights and tools for implementing and sustaining farm-to-school programs.

• Ag Innovation Center: Believes farmers and ranchers should be at the center of ag technology development, providing support for adopting innovative practices.
• Crop Plan Accelerator – This course is ideal for new or existing small-scale farmers and farm managers who want clarity and structure in their growing plans. Over four weeks, participants learn to set sales goals, map their production using crop-planning software (Heirloom), and create a full season’s crop plan they can immediately implement
• On Farm Energy Initiative: Offers programs to help farmers conserve resources and improve efficiency through voluntary programs and science-based solutions.
• CSU Master Gardner – farmers can connect with local communities through educational events, demonstrations, and workshops. This engagement can strengthen community ties and potentially open new markets for farm products.
• Market Gardener – 8 Most Profitable Field Crops Course – This course delves into the cultivation of high-value, fast-growing vegetables that can significantly boost farm revenue. It provides strategies for consistent production, effective succession planting, and marketing to ensure a steady income stream. 

• Certified Organic Path – Personalized guidance for obtaining and maintaining organic certification
• CDA – Certificate of Compliance – Provides information on regulations and certifications for various agricultural products, including organic certification and food safety compliance.
• CSU – On Farm Readiness – A non-regulatory, confidential assessment of a farm’s readiness for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.
• USDA – Food Safety Facts  – Farmers gain clarity on food safety standards, understanding certification requirements like Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and learning about exemptions under the Produce Safety Rule.

• ATTRA Legal Resources – information on agricultural labor laws. These resources help farmers understand their obligations regarding compensation, working conditions, and other legal aspects of employing labor,

• Farm Apprenticeship and Internship Resource Guide – provides guidelines for setting up effective internship programs. It emphasizes the importance of structured training and compliance with labor laws, ensuring that internships are educational and beneficial for both parties

• ATTRA Internship Hub – allows farmers to post internship opportunities and connect with individuals seeking hands-on experience in agriculture.

• CDA –  Agricultural Worker Services Program –  Offers support for agricultural workers and employers in mitigating health, safety, labor, and support services.
• Colorado AgrAbility Program – AgrAbility helps farmers and ranchers with disabilities, injuries, or chronic health conditions stay independent and productive by providing resources, training, and hands-on support to adapt, remain, or return to work and grow their operations.

Certification Support:

• Organic Farmers Research Foundation (OFRF) – Updates on organic certification, regenerative research, and national policy