Two organizations are coming together to build a stronger, more resilient food system for Northern Colorado.
Poudre Valley Community Farms (PVCF) and the Northern Colorado Foodshed Project (NCFP) have agreed to merge. Following months of exploration and careful consideration, both boards voted in August 2026 to unite as one nonprofit organization.
PVCF and NCFP have been collaborating for more than six years on different but deeply connected parts of the local food system.
PVCF has focused on securing, preserving, and managing agricultural assets – including farmland, water, and infrastructure – to create more affordable and viable opportunities for local farmers. NCFP has focused on supporting emerging producers and farm businesses, expanding access to local food, and strengthening connections across the regional food system.
The merged organization will work to:
- Secure access to land, water, and infrastructure for local farmers and food producers.
- Support emerging farm businesses as they build successful and sustainable enterprises.
- Expand access to locally produced food for people throughout Northern Colorado.
- Strengthen connections among the people who grow, eat, and care about food and the land where it is grown.
- Build a stronger and more resilient regional food system through collaboration, shared resources, and greater collective capacity.
The merger will enable the organizations to operate more efficiently, reduce overhead costs and direct more resources toward this shared mission.
What happens next?
Executive Director Lydia Lazar and board members from both organizations will lead the transition, bringing experience in farming, food systems, community engagement, and organizational leadership.
Over the coming months, the organizations will bring their operations, programs, and teams together while continuing to engage food producers, partners, donors, and community members.
The new organization will launch in January 2027, with a new name, website, and updated branding. Until then, NCFP and PVCF will continue operating through their existing organizations and websites. Updates are available at foodshedproject.org and pvcf.org.
FAQs
Why are NCFP and PVCF merging?
NCFP and PVCF have complementary missions and strengths that address certain interconnected needs within Northern Colorado's food system. By uniting, the organizations increase capacity, improve efficiencies, reduce administrative redundancy, and put more resources toward supporting food producers, farmland, local food, and community. Both board and staff members are already demonstrating the ability to elevate our impact in the local food system.
What will happen to the programs and services offered by each organization?
Existing programs and services will continue during the transition, while the organizations work together to determine how best to integrate and strengthen them.
What does the merger mean for farmers and ranchers?
Farmers and ranchers will remain at the heart of this work. The combined organization will have greater capacity to support producers with access to land, water, infrastructure, business development, and connections to local food markets and resources.
What does the merger mean for community members?
Community members can expect continued efforts to expand access to local food and connect people with local farmers and the land where food is grown. Over time, the combined organization will create new opportunities for people throughout Northern Colorado to participate in and support a strong local food system.
When will the new organization launch? Will it have a new name?
The merged organization will launch with a new name, website, and brand in January 2027. An integrated mission and values planning process is underway and more information will be shared as the transition progresses.
How can I support? What happens to donations?
Donations and other support remain extremely important during the transition. You can continue to give through either NCFP’s or PVCF’s donation pages; all donations will go towards supporting the combined organization and expanding our impact. In addition to financial support, we would appreciate any word-of-mouth communication regarding our new organization and its mission. You can help by spreading the news to producers and partners that would be interested in working together as we move forward.
How can I stay informed or share input?
Follow NCFP and PVCF through their existing websites and communication channels for updates. Share ideas or questions here, or contact Executive Director Lydia Lazar at ed@foodshedproject.org.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported both organizations and look forward to building this next chapter together.