Expanding into a regenerative organic fruit and vegetable operation on 10 acres of leased farmland in Paonia, CO.
Funded on 04/02/2021
The Colorado Peach Company, located in Fort Collins, CO, started as a produce retailer/distributor in 2017. This year we are expanding into a 10-acre regenerative certified organic mixed fruit & vegetable farm in Paonia, CO.
They currently specialize in fresh organic tree-ripened peaches and other local produce. Retail outlets include farmers markets and produce stands, as well as wholesale distributors and independent produce retailers. They also offer fundraising with boxes of peaches for non-profits and other organizations.
This new organic 10-acre site will produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to supply their primary distribution partner, Fresh Start Produce in Denver, CO. Last year, one of the largest distributors of organic produce in Denver was acquired by a national distributor. They no longer specialize in organic, leaving an opportunity to expand and serve Denver’s growing organic market. They are also considering other farmers markets and restaurants in the nearby towns, such as Aspen and Steamboat Springs.
This is the second part of a two-part loan from Steward. The first loan covered the deposit and funds to secure the property. Repayments on this initial $8,000 loan began in January of 2021.
Now that they've secured the property, this second loan will cover the nuts and bolts of building out the farm. Costs include:
Healthy plants come from a balanced living soil food web. Their primary focus at The Colorado Peach Co. is the feeding and regeneration of their soil. This includes:
Hello! Spring preparations are in full-swing here at the new farm site. Most of my time spent in front of the computer recently has been researching, searching & ordering supplies, so I wanted to pause briefly to post a quick update for all of you! Field prep tractor work has begun, soil samples are at the lab being tested, growing supplies started arriving last week, irrigation water is flowing, and we’re on track to start the first rounds of spring planting in a couple of short weeks. I’ll be posting additional updates on social media in the coming days (@ColoradoPeachCompany on Facebook & Instagram). Thanks everyone! -Nate
I came in from working Friday evening, and checked my email to find the loan had already reached 100%! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every lender who helped move this regenerative organic farm forward. I’m excited to start work on building out infrastructure & planting the first crop in the coming weeks! I’ll continue sharing regular farm updates & photos with you on social media (@ColoradoPeachCompany on Facebook & Instagram), along with periodic updates here on Steward.
Field Prep & Seeds - $5,000
Irrigation Pond & Drip Setup - $3,800
Propagation Tunnel w/ Heater - $3,500
Spring Expenses & Organic Certification - $12,700
Wash and Pack Setup & Walk-in Cooler - $5,000
Total Budget - $30,000
This loan will be made to Colorado Peach and Produce LLC, doing business as The Colorado Peach Company. Colorado Peach and Produce LLC is a Colorado limited liability company, which specializes in Local / Organic tree-ripened peaches, along with an assortment of seasonal produce.
This loan is for 2021 field prep and seeds, an irrigation setup, a propagation tunnel, organic certification, and a wash/pack setup & walk-in cooler.
The total loan amount is $30,000 which will assist The Colorado Peach Company in growing and expanding their business.
This loan is set at an 8% interest rate, with a 60-month term, and fully amortized monthly payments beginning in 3 months after funds are disbursed.
Join a growing community of sustainably-minded lenders reaping the rewards from responsible farming