On the heels of our success with the Colorado Cottage Foods Act, WCC’s new community organizer, Rachel Zatterstrom, will be talking to WCC members and other community allies to:

• Inform Coloradans about new economic opportunities now available as a result of the Cottage Foods Act—and explore some expansion.
• Build a strong Local Food & Agriculture Committee—that includes you!
• Identify our next campaign and strategize to win on our issues.

A 5th generation native born in Nucla, Rachel has been involved in various aspects of food systems work from Austin, TX, to Colorado’s Front Range for the past 6 years. She is thrilled to be home on Colorado’s Western Slope and look forward to meeting each of you as we work together to protect and enhance our food and farming future.

Call or email Rachel to find out more, get involved, or just put in your two cents:

• email: rachel@westerncoloradoalliance.org
• office: (970) 256-7650
• cell: (970) 640-2246

Farm Bill Update

The U.S. House failed to pass a Farm Bill last Thursday.  US Rep. Scott Tipton voted for the Farm Bill, which contained substantial cuts to conservation and nutrition programs, and issued this statement.  Click here for more information on what happens next with the Farm Bill.

Food Safety Update

WCC member Monica Wiitanen has been an active participant in the Western Organization of Resource Council’s (WORC’s) campaign to ensure that the FDA finalizes food safety regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act.  Of particular concern is ensuring that regulations are workable for small producers and processers who market locally and/or directly to consumers.  WCC will continue to engage with WORC’s Food Safety Campaign in the coming months.

Stay tuned for other opportunities to contribute to national reforms on important issues affecting local food & agriculture in western Colorado through our WORC network.