With the intent to counter the challenges of land access for farmers, and the rapid loss of farmland near cities in Northern Colorado, a group of community members came together to form the Poudre Valley Community Farms (PVCF) as a member-owned cooperative near Fort Collins, Colorado. PVCF has since evolved into a 501c3 nonprofit organization while retaining important cooperative elements. The organization’s mission is to provide affordable access to land and water for farmers and ranchers, focusing on food production for the local community.

PVCF has three main program areas. The Land program involves securing and stewarding farmland and water. PVCF accesses land by (1) leasing it from municipalities, (2) buying and protecting it with Conservation Easements, and (3) working with private landowners and developers to keep farmers farming. Staff members cultivate relationships with landowners to maintain enduring partnerships. To provide stability for producers, PVCF provides below-market lease rates, with some long-term leases.