Good for people and good for the land: How supporting local farmers can conserve land, grow food, an

Northern Colorado is one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, making local farmland some of the most endangered in the country. Each year we lose more than 2,400 acres of farmland as it is converted to residential and commercial development, and when we lose that land, we lose important wildlife habitat, rural jobs, and most importantly the farmers and ranchers that feed our community. Since 2016, Poudre Valley Community Farms (PVCF) has been dedicated to helping Northern Colorado farmers and ranchers grow local food by connecting them to land and water. PVCF manages 350 acres of land across Northern Colorado and has enabled 15 producers to grow food for the community. These folks employ farming practices that maximize water efficiency, improve soil health, and protect wildlife habitat, while growing nutritious food for neighbors and community members.