Boulder County Leases Agricultural
Lands To Farmers
Currently most of the farmers Boulder County leases land to are medium to larger scale
producers, leasing more than 40 acres.
Historically, agricultural
parcels purchased by the County have mostly been 40 acres
and larger, and administrative parameters for these leases
have focused on leasing entire parcels to one lessee.
Recent
interest in access to Boulder County agricultural land from small farm
producers (1-20 acres each) has led to the creation of a
mechanism for such small acreage access. Many of these farmers sell or
will sell produce at local
farmers markets.
The Boulder Food and Agriculture Policy Council, Boulder
County Parks and Open Space Agriculture Resources Division,
and
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
in Boulder County have collaborated to develop the
"Growers' Association Model."
The model currently designates three parcels available for
lease by a group of producers. These producers would
collaborate as an "Association" to lease
either the Peck, Monarch Park, or Jay Road Church of Christ
parcels. The
Agricultural Resources Division will work to develop
irrigation water ponds, potable water, electricity and
storage when possible. Association members will coordinate
group logistics for irrigation scheduling, site traffic, and
other multiple use concerns. CSU-CE will help to facilitate
Associations and provide technical support for crop
production.
See past meeting minutes from the "Parks and Open Space Ag
Small Farm Committee" and view the current "Association
Model" document at:
www.coopext.colostate.edu/boulder/AG/smallfarms.shtml
CSU Extension Office
Boulder County
9595 Nelson Road, Box B
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Phone: (303) 678-6238
Fax: (303) 678-6281
Boulder County
Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Main phone: (303) 678-6200
Agricultural Resources: (303) 678-6111
Fax: (303) 678-6180
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