Empty shelves. That’s something this country hadn’t seen on this scale since the Great Depression. Farmers and ranchers have known the food supply system has needed a change for generations, COVID-19 just added a spotlight. Eighty-four percent of meat processing in the United States is controlled by four companies. It is time to rethink our food supply chain and the members of Western Colorado Alliance are addressing immediate needs, putting local producers and consumers first and working to create easier access to the foods we need. 

Immediate need is a requirement to ensure our local producers’ livelihood is protected during this time. Western Colorado Alliance has joined with non-profits across the West to form the Intermountain West Partnership. Direct cash assistance, provided by Farm Aid, has helped some of these communities that are most in need. Members have been involved with recruiting local family farmers to apply for this award fund. In addition, we had members on the review panel to help review applications from other states. For many family farms, $500 can be the difference between losing the farm or continue to help sustain the community. 

Prompt help is needed and so are fundamental changes. Our Alliance does not intend to simply replace one link with another. Instead, our membership is thinking about fundamental change. The meat cartels are a great place to start. Meat processing, a prime target of corporate takeover, is in dire need of new thought. Over several decades, corporations have used the USDA to establish market dominance. The USDA put too high a price on its inspectors. Inspection rates, coupled with delays, have given unfair advantages to the large corporations.

However, there is a solution. Like other surrounding states, Colorado must support its agriculture department and begin its own state meat inspections. These state inspectors are held to the same standard as those with USDA to ensure safe food. This will allow increased production for our smaller processors. A state meat inspection department will also increase the opportunity to build new processing plants. With more smaller processors with increased capacity, the meat we eat will be safer and more nutritious. For our own well-being, as well as the financial well-being of our ranchers, Colorado must begin state inspection. 

Many times, problems lead to opportunities for new solutions. Current circumstances have allowed us to reexamine our food supply chain. To bring change will require focus and determination. Western Colorado Alliance has begun the process of change. This process includes providing direct relief for farmers and the creation of a better system for our ranchers. Let’s help our local producers do what they do best — feed their neighbors.