The idea for the Colorado Farm To Table (CFTT) greenhouse began in 2007 among people in the CFTT community and the local Bresnan Communications offices in Salida and Cañon City. After gathering support from other Bresnan offices in the region, Bresnan headquarters in Purchase, NY gave it a green light. BlueHighways TV, a network that focuses on the folklore, music and traditions of America, based in Hendersonville, TN joined hands with Bresnan, providing initial funding for the greenhouse kit.
Business leaders in Salida offered their own substantial challenge grant and within a short time, individuals and businesses responded to meet the challenge. With this momentum, people from Salida to Cañon City, Colorado Springs, Denver, Alamosa and beyond continued to support the project. Monetary contributions, donated services, products, equipment, supplies, manual and skilled labor from more than 65 individuals, businesses and foundations accumulated to make the project a reality.
CFTT started nearly 9,000 cabbage and broccoli production plants in the new building this spring. Capabilities for greenhouse transplants will eventually triple to a growing capacity of nearly 30,000 plants. A reduction in transport time and handling will provide a nurturing environment for the tender plants. The facility allows CFTT to grow seeds to its own specifications, and water and prune plants so that they are uniform in size, height and root system, resulting in a faster and more successful time getting the plants into the ground.
“The greenhouse and new equipment repair shop (completed at the same time) are the first phase in a major capital campaign for Colorado Farm To Table” said Tony Madone, Jr., Executive Director and Project Manager of Colorado Farm to Table. “In future years, a packing, cooling and storage warehouse will complete the CFTT-owned site, adding yet more capacity for food production in a seven days a week harvest schedule.”
A special afternoon honoring the community that built the greenhouse is planned. The June 26th event, hosted in conjunction with Bresnan Communications and BlueHighways TV, will be held on the grounds of CFTT’s new greenhouse, 7750 County Road 150 in the historic “Smeltertown” district. A dedication ceremony at 1:30 will be followed by ribbon cutting and live bluegrass music. Refreshments and tours of the new facility continue until 3:30 pm, with the whole community invited. Harvest volunteers may also sign up then for farm work during the 2010 season.
Colorado Farm To Table (CFTT) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, inter-denominational, faith-based volunteer organization comprised of individuals, businesses and organizations with roots in the Upper Arkansas River Valley of Colorado. CFTT provides individuals and families in need with fresh produce at no cost to them.
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