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A Forklift Speeds Up Harvest Season in Cortez

Cortez
  • Local Champion: Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project
  • Date Funded: November 14, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $26,000

More than 100 Cortez-area farmers and backyard growers bring their apples to the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project for juicing, but many struggle to unload their heavy fruit bins safely. After seeing the hazardous and lengthy process—which can take up to three hours per delivery—one of the project’s leader came up with a solution. LOR’s funding helped the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project purchase a forklift to unload fruit deliveries. The new equipment will allow growers to return to their harvests more quickly and safely, increasing participation in the program and creating a more sustainable economy for local apple producers.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
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