Wash, Pack, and Cool Infrastructure Equips Cortez’s Emerging Farmers

The Montezuma Land Conservancy’s educational farm, Fozzie’s Farm, currently lacks washing, packing, and cold storage infrastructure, leaving emerging farmers without the tools they need to safely handle produce and build viable markets for their crops. As more beginning farmers turn to the farm to gain entry into agriculture in Cortez, Montezuma Land Conservancy staff reached out to LOR with a solution. LOR’s funding will help Montezuma Land Conservancy hire contractors to install a concrete slab and electrical and plumbing infrastructure—the foundational work for a wash, pack, and cool shed at Fozzie’s Farm. The completed infrastructure will position Montezuma Land Conservancy to secure additional funding to complete the full facility, enabling farmers to safely process produce and unlocking broader market access for emerging Cortez farmers.