FOOD SYSTEMS

Delivering healthy food in an equitable, sustainable way.

At the heart of the food we eat are relationships - our connection to the soil, sun and rain that nurture our crops, and connection to the farmers and ranchers supporting their families and ours. Industrial systems have led to a disconnect from these sacred relationships, degrading the land and harming communities. There is momentum growing to rebuild our agricultural systems in regenerative and inclusive ways. We’re here to get behind that momentum.

Our investments seek to repair these relationships at every step of the food chain - from rebuilding soil health and conserving water, to supporting conversion of industrial farmlands to healthier methods, to changing systems so farming can be available as a way of life for new generations and farmers of color, and to make healthy, affordable food more accessible.

Our Food System grants are specifically focused in Colorado and California, but occasionally programs across the United States will be considered.

Partner Highlights

Why we love them: Ecdysis Foundation

They are opening research hubs in the heart of specific agricultural regions, studying regenerative and conventional practices side by side, while influencing nearby farmers who are curious to evolve their practices toward more sustainable methods of farming. Essentially providing an agriculture extension service beyond the university setting, but still backed by valid research.

Who they are

The Ecdysis Foundation believes that society’s advance is contingent upon transformational changes in our food production system. By conducting cutting edge research for transforming agriculture with regenerative principles, Ecdysis ensures that concepts, practices, and systems are scalable and transferable to farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. 

Did you know?

“Regenerative agriculture” is farming and ranching in harmony with nature. If industrial agriculture is solely focused on production and profit, regenerative agriculture is aimed at nourishing people and the earth — protecting ecosystems, restoring biodiversity and promoting equity — for long-term, sustainable benefits.

Why we love them: Jubilee Justice

They are healing the land and the people together, while building a circular ecosystem around black farmers in the south. This is a true example of reparative economics. Plus, the people behind Jubilee Justice are full of so much passion and soul for what they do, you can’t help but fall in love with their initiative.

Who they are

Jubilee Justice’s mission is to heal and transform the wounds suffered by the people and the land through reparative genealogy and regenerative agriculture. They envision an America where the institutional injustices concerning Land, Race and Money, that are rooted in a history of extraction and exploitation, both spiritually and materially transform toward justice, equity and repair.

Did you know?

Seventy percent of all farms in the U.S. are in the “critical zone” where profit margins are 10 percent or less. In addition, the average land holding of a Black farmer is 100 acres — and under current farming methods, a farmer needs approximately 500 acres to be financially sustainable.

Why we love them: California Farmlink

We wish every state had a group like California FarmLink. Their creative capital solutions have helped small and BIPOC farmers obtain their own land and develop robust business models. And their educational programs are offered in english and spanish, creating equitable opportunity for all Californians.

Who they are

Equitable access to fair financing is fundamental to farmers’ success, and California FarmLink manages more than 40 private and public sources of loan capital. They have deployed loans totaling more than $25 million for sustainable and organic farmers, with a focus on farmers of color, women, and low-income farmers. They offer loans designed especially for small- and moderate-scale agriculture, farmers who are growing healthy local food systems, with options ranging from micro-loans of $2,500 to land loans exceeding $1 million.

Did you know?

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unprecedented demand for California FarmLink loans. In response, they are creating and deploying integrated capital strategies to support regenerative agriculture, to grow local food systems, and to build wealth and equity in California’s farm communities.

Mighty Partners working on Food Systems