Though as food system stakeholders we often frame ourselves in terms of our differences, we have much more in common than we realize, including sharing elements of a food vision for Colorado focused on regenerative and equitable agricultural systems, that benefit local and regional communities and economies, that improves individual livelihoods and community health, and that supports the next generation of producers and other food system stakeholders.

Policy, or the rules we set out for ourselves, can be a powerful tool for transformation and has the potential to help us achieve these positive outcomes in Colorado. However, unintended consequences are also common if policies are not considered holistically by a diverse set of informed and connected stakeholders. It is thus imperative to build trust, common language, and understanding across this broad network, providing inclusive pathways for all stakeholders to participate in moving our state toward a shared food vision. We hope that this convening can provide a starting point to further the conversation about how local and state programs and policies can be leveraged to help us achieve a better food future for all Coloradans.

Given the focus on leveraging food policy, we our planning committee is made up of representatives from each of the state’s food policy councils/coalitions, which are in turn representative of the diversity of Colorado’s food systems.