About CAA
Our Purpose: To ensure agriculture thrives as a vibrant core of our Valley.
What We Do & How We Do It
We provide leadership, education, and programs that promote agriculture and connect the shared interests of our Valley by:
- Promoting local food and building a resilient local food system
- Providing resources, advocacy, and support for local agriculture
- Fostering meaningful connections between agriculture and our community
Ensuring the vitality and continuity of agriculture in the Yampa Valley is our primary focus.
Through actions and programs we lead Community to grow Agriculture and to create Alliance among individuals with shared passions and goals.
Our Mission
CAA’s mission is to preserve agriculture in the Yampa Valley by initiating and supporting programs and policies that benefit and connect producers, consumers, and the community.
Our Vision
CAA’s vision is the Yampa Valley agricultural community is resilient, active, and vital for generations to come.
Our Values
- Commitment to Agriculture: At the heart of all we do, our dedication to sustaining and enhancing Yampa Valley’s agricultural heritage guides every action and decision.
- Organizational Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of credibility and accountability, ensuring our operations and interactions foster trust and respect.
- Heritage and Innovation: We cherish our agricultural roots while embracing innovation, adapting to the future without losing sight of our past.
- Respect for Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives enriches our community and strengthens our efforts, as we welcome and incorporate a variety of viewpoints and ideas.
- Collaborative Success: We believe in the power of collaboration; together, we achieve more than we could alone, uniting stakeholders and partners toward common goals.
History of the Community Agriculture Alliance
Establishment and Purpose
Founded in 1999, the Community Agriculture Alliance is dedicated to ensuring the adaptation and vitality of agriculture in Routt County and the Yampa Valley. As a Colorado incorporated non-profit, our mission responds to the evolving economic landscape, aiming to preserve agricultural traditions while fostering future growth and sustainability.
Agricultural Heritage
The Yampa Valley boasts a deep-rooted agricultural history, dating back to the 1870s with enduring family-owned cattle and sheep ranches. These traditional practices form the backbone of our local identity and economy, shaping our approach to modern agricultural challenges.
Economic and Cultural Context
Situated in the Colorado Rockies, the Yampa Valley is not only a hub for agriculture but also a vibrant recreational economy bolstered by the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation and historical mining industries. This diverse economic backdrop highlights the importance of integrating agriculture with other sectors to maintain our cherished rural lifestyle amidst growth and development challenges.
Looking Forward
Today, CAA plays a crucial role in harmonizing the interests of all economic players in northwest Colorado. We strive to ensure that the valley’s unique amenities and rural character endure for generations, maintaining a sustainable and prosperous community for all.