A New Chapter in Colorado Agriculture

Agriculture in Northern Colorado has always been diverse, from hay and corn to cattle and sugar beets. But in the last decade, a quiet transformation has begun: small-scale specialty crops and local food farms are thriving.

“Specialty crops” include fruits, vegetables, herbs, hops, grapes, and other high-value crops not typically grown on large commodity farms. They’re changing how people farm, eat, and invest in land.

1. The Rise of Local Food Demand

Colorado consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from, and they’re willing to pay more for local produce, meat, and dairy. Farmers markets, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs, and farm-to-table restaurants have multiplied across Weld and Larimer counties.

Fact: According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the state’s direct-to-consumer food sales have grown by more than 25% over the past five years. This local demand is giving smaller farms new ways to stay profitable while maintaining hands, on stewardship of their land.

2. Specialty Crops That Work in Northern Colorado

The region’s climate, elevation, and irrigation infrastructure make it ideal for certain niche crops. Some of the fastest-growing include:

•  Hops (for the craft beer industry)

•  Grapes (small vineyards are expanding near Fort Collins and Greeley)

•  Garlic, onions, and herbs

•  Vegetable greenhouses and hydroponics

•  Cut flowers and specialty pumpkins

These operations often require fewer acres, making them a great fit for buyers looking at smaller or transitional parcels of ag land.

3. Benefits for Landowners and Communities

Specialty crop farms help revitalize rural economies and strengthen local food systems. They:

•  Create local jobs and agritourism opportunities

•  Increase community access to fresh food

•  Encourage sustainable practices like crop rotation and soil health

•  Raise awareness of land conservation and water use efficiency

Fact: The Colorado Proud program reports that every $1 spent on local food generates $2.40 in local economic activity.

4. What This Means for Land Buyers

For those exploring agricultural real estate, specialty crops open a world of possibilities: You don’t always need hundreds of acres to build a viable business — just the right soil, water, and market plan. Whether it’s a few irrigated acres for vegetables or a vineyard with agritourism potential, local foods are redefining land value in Colorado.

The Takeaway

Specialty crops represent the future of flexible, sustainable farming in Northern Colorado. They combine business opportunity with environmental care, creating a stronger connection between landowners, growers, and the communities they feed. If you’re exploring land for production, leasing, or diversification, specialty crops may be your most rewarding next step.