Heap is owner of Pearl Street’s SALT bistro, Colterra Food & Wine in Niwot and his own catering company, Bradford Heap Catering. With each business, he says, he strives to incorporate the highest quality local and organic food he can find year round. As the winter freeze sets in and most restaurants finish the last of their local food supply, Heap continues to serve his customers fresh and local food.

In Boulder, CO, the fight to keep GMOs off county lands is entering the final rounds. After months of deliberation, an agricultural policy group has recommended that GMOs be allowed on open space land and the people of Boulder county are making sure their leaders know they do not approve. Their message is being heard and the collective thorn is growing in Monsanto’s side. Will the county commissioners side with the corporations or the people?

The Farm to School program, an effort largely organized by LiveWell Fort Collins and the Poudre School District, aims to get as much fresh, local produce into the mouths of students as possible during the growing season each year.

Throughout the state, districts large and small confront the same epidemic of youthful obesity, nutritional and physical activity challenges, and all the other health-related issues plaguing modern society. And officials in nearly all districts are of one mind in wanting to make their schools as healthy as possible.

Pitkin County has a long history of preserving agricultural land for its aesthetic qualities. Now, stimulating local food production may be a goal, as well. The board of trustees that oversees Pitkin County Open Space and Trails generally embraced the expanded focus during an all-day retreat Thursday in Redstone. The new mindset will be put to the test quickly — the board will soon take up a proposed management plan for the Sopris Chase parcel in Basalt. The plan envisions not only community gardening on part of the property, but will open the door to greenhouses — a move that could test the charter that governs the open space program.

If gardening is a way of life for some people, Jacqueline Searle is hoping they are willing to share their passion with others. Searle has a vision of a community garden in Castle Rock, in an effort that would be the first of its kind in town limits. And if she’s successful with the first garden, she wants to see the idea blossom.

Colorado water shortages in the future are expected to occur due to increasing pressure and demands from four primary areas of use: population and municipal growth, recreation and the environment, agriculture, and the energy sector. Estimating future demands in all of these areas is difficult at best. Adding to these uncertainties are drought and climate change, and competition with downstream states.

The first ever National Farm to School Month is taking place this October. 

 In 2010, Congress designated October as National Farm to School Month, which demonstrates the growing importance and role of Farm to School programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local farming and ranching economies, spur job growth and educate children about agriculture and the origins of their food.

Boulder County commissioners will consider adopting an update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, which includes a new section that specifically encourages local food production and sustainable agriculture.