Recommendations for zero-interest loans will be prioritized largely on the following criteria: ● Makes the greatest impact on our local food economy ● Utilizes ethical business and regenerative land practices ● Demonstrates a strong commitment to community and collaboration ● Shows the ability to repay the loan within the agreed terms. SOIL Sangre de Cristo is not a bank. We are open to considering applicants that would otherwise have a difficult time finding funding.

Funds awarded to food producers are used for improving and expanding irrigation systems, wash stations, items to store and keep fresh harvested produce such as coolers, equipment to assist in managing the physical labor such as small tractors and hand tools, new equipment to enlarge overall productivity.

The loan fund is created from tax deductible contributions from community members and business sponsorships throughout the South Central Region of Colorado. These contributions go into a revolving loan fund. The contributions are used over and over again, going out to applicants as the loans are repaid.

Loan awards range from $500 to $20,000 Loan Applications are accepted throughout the year with frequent awards to meet the needs of the food producers.

The applicant is a farmer member of SOIL Sangre de Cristo. The applicant can be located anywhere in the state of Colorado as long as the food produced is made available to communities in the South Central Region of Colorado. This can be accomplished through CSA programs, delivery and the Valley Roots Food Hub, among others.

SOIL Sangre de Cristo Loan Awards 2020-2023 2020 Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $5000 A “walk-in” for refrigeration was purchased with the funds along with a substantial “hoop” house to extend the growing season. 2021 Badger Creek Ranch, Salida/Coaldale, CO $5000 A used tractor was purchased with the loan funds to minimize the manual labor around the ranch and vegetable gardens. The owners Chrissy and Dave McFerran are able to supply much of their own produce to their guests during the summer who are staying at the ranch. Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, Buena Vista, CO $10,000 The loan was used to enlarge the retail space at the dairy. This development was very important during the first few years of the pandemic, with the need for social distancing. Many visitors can be in the space and have access to purchasing the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy products and swag and still feel “safe” with social distancing. Elevation Farm & Orchard, Alamosa, CO $5000 Tiffany and Armando Vigil are selling the greens and herbs grown in the vertical growing system through the SLV Valley Roots Food Hub and direct sales. With the loan from Soil Sangre De Cristo they were able to increase sales close to 10x.  Armando is now the head of the Education Department for the Rio Grande Farm Park.  He has been very instrumental in making contact with those farmers and others in the region, introducing them to SOIL Sangre de Cristo. Fungus Among Us, Westcliffe, CO $3500 The loan was used to install special growing lights and better insulation for the “mushroom grow house”, extending the growing season. The support he feels from the members of SOIL Sangre de Cristo has helped him sustain his vision of becoming a major mushroom supplier throughout this region. 2022 Rocky Mountain Garlic, Salida, CO $2500 Construction of a larger onsite market was the top priority for this 2 nd loan application. The new structure has greatly improved the income stream throughout early Spring into late Fall. Tiffany and Mike offered a “Winter CSA” for the first time in 2022. Tiffany is able to work full time for the farm, w/o having to hold a second, part time job too. The production has doubled since 2020. Elements Mountain Compost, Salida, CO $10,000 Julie Mach, owner, was just recently “entrepreneur of the year in Chaffee County. A new, automated sifter was purchased with the loan increasing capacity and efficiency to turn food and agricultural waste into compost. The number of customers (both who contribute material for compost and those who purchase the finished compost) has more than doubled since 2020. 2023 Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $1000 Owners Tylor and Danielle Berreth used the funds to take the necessary courses and apply for USDA Organic Certification, which was granted in mid- 2023. The loan is paid in full. Alpine Valley Mushrooms, Saguache, CO $2380 A new application was submitted in July, 2023 for purchase for larger pieces of equipment to increase mushroom production. The owners are finding there is an endless market to sell the mushrooms. SLV Apothecary, Alamosa, CO $2640 A new glass-front refrigerator will be purchase so the store can carry mor local products that need to stay cool for freshness. SLV Apothecary specializes in local food products from suppliers throughout the South Central Region of Colorado.