UNLIKE THE REST- FRESH FROM THE FARM.

Meals made from produce grown in our town, by farmers we know and trust

We source our veggies from small local farms and up-cycle “seconds” that would otherwise go to waste. Decreasing waste and supporting local farms with good land stewardship is more important than ever. You can taste and feel the difference.

Because, it turns out... quality food, grown slow, and harvested at peak ripeness tastes a whole hell of a lot better than conventionally grown produce that is grown for scale and not flavor.

read more about upcycled produce

WHY LOCAL SOURCING MATTERS

COLORADO FARMERS

Supporting CO farmers through short growing seasons with harsh conditions

NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS

Picked at peak ripeness because no need for long storage or transport

GROWN FOR FLAVOR

Focusing on varieties that are chosen for taste, not shelf stability

FAMILY OWNED

Choosing to support small farms not corporate industrial producers

LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Less transport and storage, reduced packaging, and reduced waste.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Building healthy soils and prioritizing pollinator-friendly grow practices
Person carrying a box of plants near a greenhouse with trees in the background

FARM PRACTICES & WHY WE’RE NOT ALWAYS ORGANIC

We prioritize working with farmers we know and trust, focusing on real land stewardship and long-term relationships rather than certifications alone. Some of the farms we work with are certified organic, and many are not—not because they don’t farm responsibly, but because organic certification can cost small farms thousands of dollars per year in fees, inspections, and extensive paperwork.

Most of our partner farms are very small operations, and instead of jumping through hoops for a label, they invest directly in the land through low-input growing, no herbicides, minimal tillage, and pollinator-friendly practices.

MEET OUR FARMERS

(THE REAL MVPS)

Family of five standing in a field with mountains in the background

BEET STREET FARM

Beet Street Farm is a family-run diversified produce farm located in the Animas River Valley north of Durango, Colorado. Founded in 2016 by Brian and Stacey Petrie after years of working on local farms, Beet Street has grown from a blank patch of prairie into a thriving operation cultivating a wide variety of vegetables and flowers on more than nine acres. The farm focuses on high-quality, nutrient-rich produce using conservation-focused management practices that improve soil health and promote biodiversity. While not certified organic, Beet Street’s farming methods align with national organic standards and reflect a strong commitment to land stewardship, sustainable growing, and community food systems. Beet Street Farm also participates in community support programs—supplying produce to local initiatives and institutions, including Durango’s Farm to School program—which connects their fresh vegetables with area schools and neighborhood nutrition efforts. 

FIELDS TO PLATE PRODUCE

Fields to Plate Produce is a locally rooted, certified organic 10-acre vegetable farm and regenerative livestock operation located in the Animas Valley just north of Durango (next door to Beet Street Farm). Started in 2013 by Max Fields and James Plate, the farm is now run by Max and his wife, Emily. Together, they grow a wide variety of vegetables suited to the region’s high-elevation climate and short growing season. Beyond vegetables, Fields to Plate raises grass-fed heritage Navajo Churro sheep and beef cattle as part of a “full circle” soil-building system. Using rotational grazing on diverse perennial pastures, their livestock help build soil biology, improve water retention, and enhance long-term fertility for crops. This integration of livestock and vegetables reflects a commitment to regenerative practices that feed the soil that feeds their community.

ROHWER'S FARM

Rohwer’s Farm is a family-run, diversified produce and livestock farm nestled in the high desert of Southwest Colorado just north of Cortez. Founded and operated by the Rohwer sisters, Heidi and Angelia, and mom, Judy, the farm grows a wide variety of vegetables and fruits using sustainable, natural methods and heirloom seeds, and produces fresh market offerings year-round with the help of multiple greenhouses and high tunnels. Rohwer’s takes pride in experimenting with unusual crops, saving seeds, and continually improving their growing practices to extend the season and offer fresh, flavorful food to the local community.
LEAF CUTTER FARMS

Leaf Cutter Farms specializes in growing organic gourmet mushroom varieties. Owners Justin Crouse and Victoria Halligan focus on water-efficient cultivation and repurposing spent growth media to support soil health on their farm.

BANGAS FARM

Banga’s Farm is a small, few-acre farm in Mancos, Colorado, run by Dave Banga, that specializes in growing high-quality produce suited to the region’s high-elevation climate—without the use of chemical inputs.

LONG TABLE FARM

Long Table Farm is a woman-owned, diversified vegetable farm just outside Durango, Colorado, founded in 2018 by best friends Morgan Di Santo and Kate Sopko, and now run by Morgan with deep roots in the community. They grow a variety of chemical-free, nutrient-dense produce on less than an acre, prioritizing soil health, sustainable practices, and local access through their CSA and the Durango Farmers Market.

OLD FORT FARM

Old Fort Farm is a multi-faceted agricultural and educational hub southwest of Durango, training farmers to grow specialty crops at high elevation while supporting sustainable practices and local food access across the region.

HOMEGROWN FARM

Homegrown Farm is a small, organic biodynamic family farm in Bayfield, Colorado, run by Mike and Emily Jensen.

Woman holding a bouquet of flowers in a field with mountains in the background
ADOBE HOUSE FARM

Adobe House Farm is a small, diverse, certified organic vegetable farm in the Animas Valley in Durango run by founders Linley and Peter Dixon alongside their brother, Reid Smith. They go beyond the Organic standards are a certified “Real Organic farm”, which means they focus on building soil while growing their crops.

FIRST FRUITS FARM

First Fruits Organic Farm is a family orchard owned and operated by the Kris and Kevin Kropp families. Located in Paonia, Colorado their orchard has deep roots in the region, with many trees occupying land that was originally settled for fruit production.

TOPP FRUITS FARM

Topp Fruits Farm is a family operated organic orchard out of Paonia CO, run by Harisson Topp and Stacia Cannon. The farm focuses on environmental stewardship and sustainable, nutrient dense fruit production on the western slope.

TOOTH & GILL

Tooth & Gill Mushroom Co. is a small mushroom farm based in Pagosa Springs. They operate out of a converted shipping container and mission focuses on strengthening local food systems by supplying flavorful, nutrient-dense mushrooms directly to their community through markets, restaurants, and local distribution networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We’re always excited to connect with farmers. We prioritize sourcing seconds produce and working with farms that use sustainable growing practices. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you—email marissa@farmtosummit.com to start the conversation.
Imperfect produce includes fruits and vegetables that may be oddly shaped, slightly oversized, undersized, or visually inconsistent. These differences don’t affect taste or nutrition, but they can keep produce from being sold through traditional retail channels. Check out our Food Waste page to learn more.
Upcycled food uses ingredients that might otherwise go to waste—like surplus crops or cosmetically imperfect produce—and turns them into high-quality, nutritious food. Check out our Food Waste page to learn more.
Food is often wasted on farms due to cosmetic standards, unpredictable markets, labor shortages, short harvest windows, and limited storage or processing capacity. This isn’t about quality—it’s about logistics and systems. Check out our Food Waste page to learn more.
Local farms are the backbone of resilient food systems. By buying directly from farmers near us, we help strengthen the regional agricultural economy while ensuring our meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
“Seconds” are fruits and vegetables that are slightly imperfect—maybe a carrot grew forked or an apple has a cosmetic blemish. Grocery stores often reject these even though they taste exactly the same. By using seconds, we reduce food waste and create a reliable market for farmers.

In 2025

0
Lbs Local
Produce Purchased
0
Lbs Seconds
Produce Purchased
0
Lbs Packaging
Waste Diverted