A local Epicurean group is researching what kind of “food hub” is right for the Roaring Fork Valley and now Pitkin County is chipping in.
The Roaring Fork Food Policy Council is the behind the food hub idea. Food hubs strengthen regional food systems by simplifying the way producers get their products to consumers. A hub could include an online farmers’ market, a small demonstration farm or an online information sharing site that links consumers with local food.
On Tuesday, the Pitkin County Commissioners agreed to allocate $1500 to a needs assessment that will determine the best local model. Commissioner Steve Child says attitudes are changing around agriculture in the valley.
"People are a lot more optimistic now. This fits right into that. We can foster one more aspect of local agriculture of having local agriculture get stronger."
There was some debate. Commissioner Michael Owsley voted against the proposal, saying it was “confusing.” He questioned how it would benefit the county.
