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The "What's in Our Foodshed: Examining the demand and potential of growing product for the local marketplace forum" in March was a huge success. The enthusiasm, concepts and project ideas were plentiful. A small group of dedicated individuals who attended the forum have been meeting and have established an organization to help advance ideas and concepts brought forward at the forum. With the assistance of the Northwest Colorado Products Program and the Community Agriculture Alliance, Deep Roots of Northwest Colorado Local Food Trust now exists.

Mission: Deep Roots Local Food Trust believes a thriving and sustainable local food economy is a vital element of our healthy Northwest Colorado community.

Who we are: Enthusiastic members of the Northwest Colorado community who want to have a local source of tasty and healthy food. We come from all walks of life and bring a variety of skills to Deep Roots. Deep Roots brings together community members, local producers of agricultural products, and civic leaders to implement strategic projects and educational programs that cultivate a local, sustainable food system for Northwest Colorado. We focus on programs and projects that raise public awareness of the value of our local food system.

What the group does:

- Forge partnerships for the advancement of Deep Roots initiatives.

- Open a community conversation about the value of a local food system.

- Offer an abundance of educational opportunities for growers and producers.

- Demonstrate the value of good land stewardship and farm practices that respect and replenish the natural ecosystems while producing healthy foods.

Why the group exists:

- Share and exchange ideas, knowledge and products

- Produce and network educational opportunities

- Resource for support of sustainable agriculture and local food production

- Advocate for sustainable food system in Yampa Valley

- Interface with local and regional educational institutions to advance the concept and practice of sustainable food production

Look for Deep Roots representatives Sept. 19 and 20 at the Sustainability Expo or go to www.deeprootsco.org to read more about Deep Roots and how you can get involved.

Nancy B. Kramer is the Program Coordinator for Northwest Colorado Products