Improvements in agriculture technology and practices have made farming indoors and outdoors possible. Known for its mountainous geography and tough winters, Colorado is a state built on skiing, tourism, cattle ranching, crop cultivation, and now a burgeoning financial sector. However, the Centennial State will always carry a rural sentiment at heart. Local farmers are constantly bringing their produce to market thanks to indoor farming, allowing some operations to stay open all year.
Photo Courtesy Ahavah Farm
Ahavah Community Farmers Market
The Ahavah Community Farmers Market (ACFM) in Payton was started in 2014 by Yosef and Havah Camire. They are a family of first-generation farmers with seven children who help with farmwork. The Ahavah farm has dogs, cats, alpacas, chickens, a horse, and a duck. All their children are homeschooled.
The name Ahavah means “love” in Hebrew; specifically, it translates to “to give of oneself.” The Jewish family believes it is their religious obligation to take care of the planet, the local community, and their health.
All Ahavah food is grown organically without pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. ACFM is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., all year — both indoors and out. Over the last decade, the farm has grown into a 200 to 300-member community-supported agriculture (CSA) marketplace. Community members pay what they can afford, easing the cost of living for those on a limited income. The farm told Garden & Health via email that it will be phasing out the farmers’ market and pursuing a full CSA program.
ACFM participates in EBT and SNAP food stamps. The Camires stress they are not subsidized for making this decision but do it out of the “goodness of their hearts.” Patrons can buy organic vegetables, grass-fed meat, home-roasted coffee, and fresh-baked goods.
The farm is known for growing microgreens with 100% solar power. The CSA sends a combination of three different types of microgreens for $14.50 per week, with optional add-ons available. They recently ran a free food drive for those in need during winter.
Other sustainable practices include no tractor use, no tilling, sustainable irrigation, minimal fossil fuel use, biodynamic practices, and carbon reduction. Ahavah Farms stands by its mission to take care of the planet and the family’s health.
Photo Courtesy Greeley Farmers Market
Greeley Farmers Market
Greeley, Colorado, is the site of the Greeley’s Farmers Market. Two seasonal markets are open every Saturday through the summer market season and every first and third Saturday in winter. The summer operation is located on 7th St. downtown from May to October, and the winter one is held at Zoe’s Cafe and Events on 10th St. from November to April.
The market also participates in SNAP benefits. It goes a step further, partnering with Double Up Food Banks and WIC Colorado. Double Up allows customers to pay with their EBT card, tell the information desk how much they’d like to spend, and use paper SNAP bucks. They are then matched by Double Up for eligible food items; if a customer pays a dollar in SNAP bucks, Double Up matches it.
However, it’s only for produce, not hot and ready items. WIC also helps families with children or pregnant women with supplement nutrition, offering produce, cheese, milk, cereal, peanut butter, grains, beans, and more.
“The community has responded to the relocation,” Megan Weiler, Greeley’s supervisor, told Garden & Health. “It’s great to see families and hoteliers gather and grab an ice cream.” The market is located across from historic Lincoln Park, with a DoubleTree hotel nearby. The plan is to expand the operation in the next year.
Weiler said the SNAP program with Double Up and WIC is one of her favorite parts of the market. “We’re addressing food deserts and help those suffering through food insecurity,” she explained. The market also offers lessons in water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and other important eco-friendly life choices.
Greeley is one of 11 Colorado farmers markets that accept WIC. It was voted best farmers’ market in Colorado for a second year in a row, winning the honor in 2023, too. It’s been running for 35 years, recently relocating to the center of downtown.
Photo Courtesy Metro Denver Farmers’ Market
Metro Denver Farmers Market
As its name suggests, the Metro Denver Farmers Market (MDFM) serves the greater Denver area with various Colorado’s locally-grown greens, plants, baked goods, and furry friends. However, you have to bring your own furry friends.
MDFM began in 1977, with some farmers working for half a century to provide local fare to consumers.
The oldest market in the state, many of the farmers are multi-generational, passing down years of knowledge. Some have grandchildren who help run the stands.
Rain or shine, the market is open in four different locations: Southwest Plaza on Saturdays from May 4 to Oct. 26, Lakewood on Saturdays from June 15 to Sept. 28, Highlands Ranch on Sundays from May 5 to Oct. 27, and Littleton on Wednesdays from June 19 to Sept. 25.
“It’s kept the small farmer in business, Alan Mazzotti, a local farmer, told Garden & Health by phone. “I wouldn’t be farming today if it wasn’t for the market.” He sells various vegetables, including tomatoes and eggplant.
“Everyone is coming,” Mazzotti said about the operation’s attendance. “We used to sell green beans — 20 by the bushel. Now we sell by the pound.”
His grandson has taken over for him as he’s gotten older. Colorado is very famous for cantaloupe, chiles, and a range of diverse farmers. He explained farming has gotten easier with GPS and satellite tracking advancements.
A seniority system selects vendors. They must fill out an application and pay fees to attend the markets. Those in good standing will be given the first opportunity to return in the following years, and those who come to all four markets can pick and choose specific days to set up shop.
MDFM accepts SNAP and EBT payments as well. You can also find several healthy recipes on their website under “Fresh Recipes.”
