The Emergence of an Innovation Cluster in the Agricultural Value Chain along Colorado’s Front Range Innovators in an increasingly integrated Agriculture-Water-Food-Beverage-Bioenergy i
Introduction
Colorado has long made agriculture central to its economy and its Western way of life, while also embracing innovation as a key driver of growth rooted in its pioneer heritage Although the public imagination once separated these two pillars, they are increasingly converging in Colorado, and the pace of this convergence is accelerating.
Geographic, demographic, and economic factors are driving greater investment and engagement in innovation within Colorado's agricultural and food system, with the Denver metro region and the northern Front Range showing the strongest momentum Companies and investors are launching new ventures, expanding existing businesses, or relocating operations here because of the region's high-quality talent, robust public research institutions, abundant primary agricultural production, proximity of that production to other economic activities, and a sizable local consumer market These conditions lay the groundwork for an innovation-led agriculture and food industry cluster to emerge and grow along the Colorado Front Range.
Public recognition of Colorado’s agriculture innovation cluster has been slow, in part because many people still view farming as a mature, rural primary industry tied to a traditional way of life and a low-margin business producing a handful of familiar commodities At the same time, popular images of innovation tend to center on hi-tech sectors such as semiconductors, software, or aerospace, leaving agricultural innovation under the radar Much of the most compelling innovation within the agricultural value chain happens in categories that intersect with biotechnology, clean tech, manufacturing, retail, or tourism, making it easy to overlook its relevance to farming The size and complexity of the agricultural value chain—with interrelated industry sectors and diverse production methods and technologies—also makes it hard for the public and even many agricultural professionals to recognize all the different businesses that work together to feed, clothe, and fuel today’s consumers.
Innovation in the agriculture and food value chain underpins our ability to feed a growing world It has kept agricultural production ahead of global population growth and helped avert famine across much of the 20th century To meet the needs of a largely middle-class population expected to reach about 9 billion by 2050, further innovation is needed to achieve roughly a 70 percent rise in global agricultural production.
In D Gale Johnson's 1997 paper, "Agriculture and the Wealth of Nations," the argument links agricultural progress to sustaining landscape quality and water resources while expanding production It notes that there are numerous potential efficiency gains and quality improvements available within the current system, but meaningful innovations often go beyond single, one-off changes and require collaboration among multiple players bound together in complex supplier–buyer and competitive relationships.
The agriculture value chain features strong internal linkages, and innovations in one segment can ripple across suppliers, farmers, and retailers For example, a restaurant chain’s new business model can create new requirements for wholesale food suppliers, which in turn shapes which crops are profitable for farmers to grow and alters the fertilizers and animal health supplements they source from farm and veterinary suppliers Because of these deep interdependencies, vertical and horizontal coordination is essential for innovation to succeed; a lack of coordination can stall diffusion A central tenet of cluster theory is that co-location within a single geographic region enhances both vertical and horizontal coordination, making it easier for actors to align incentives and implement innovations.
Colorado’s economic development is powered by innovation across multiple channels The strongest gains come from new products and services that improve consumers’ lives, while innovations that reduce costs or boost the efficiency of delivering existing offerings also drive growth The act of innovating—through R&D, client consulting, launching new ventures, and providing specialized business, legal, and financial services—serves as a primary engine of economic development and requires highly skilled, well-paid knowledge workers When market adoption occurs, innovations generate profits for the innovator, and although the benefits are global or national in scope, they can be especially strong for the Colorado region where the innovative activities are conducted.
The objectives of this study
• To recognize the emergence of an innovation-led industry cluster by reframing conventional views of the industry to consider overlapping interests across the entire integrated value chain of agriculture
To identify the geographic footprint of this emergent innovation cluster, we derive it empirically from a landscape analysis of innovation data This approach updates the traditional view of agricultural innovation, showing that it extends beyond rural areas and is distributed across diverse geographic locations.
2 Pardey, P G., Beddow, J M., Hurley, T M., Beatty, T K.M and Eidman, V R (2014), A Bounds Analysis of World Food Futures: Global Agriculture Through to 2050 Australian Journal of
• To explore the fundamental factors that are favoring the Colorado
Front Range as a location for innovation in the agricultural value chain, including geographic, demographic, and economic factors
• To identify the main technology categories in which Colorado firms and research institutions are innovating, as well as their structural interrelationships within the value chain
• To provide an inventory of companies and organizations in Colorado that are engaged in innovation in the agricultural value chain, and their locations
• To recommend next steps for encouraging growth of this emergent innovation cluster, such as cultivating talent, coordinating mechanisms for collaboration, and financing of innovation
What is an innovation-led industry cluster?
Silicon Valley is the quintessential innovation-led industry cluster, born from a handful of companies with silicon-based chip technologies and later expanding into software and internet businesses Napa Valley has become the leading U.S cluster for wine-industry innovation, Detroit concentrates expertise in automotive technologies, Northern Georgia excels in textiles and carpet mills, and Hollywood dominates movie production Together, these regions show how focused industry strengths can drive regional innovation ecosystems.
Michael Porter popularized the concept of an industry cluster in the late 1990s as a geographically proximate network of interconnected companies and related institutions in a specific field, linked by common inputs, skills, and complementarities Innovation encompasses technological, organizational, and marketing changes that boost economic productivity, enhance the value of products and services, and improve other attributes such as environmental sustainability An innovation-led industry cluster is a community of firms and research institutions that collaborate to turn new ideas into competitive advantage, leveraging dense local networks, specialized resources, and coordinated efforts to drive growth and regional prosperity.
R&D-driven collaborations benefit when stakeholders are co-located, because proximity accelerates knowledge sharing and the development of new products and services When firms operate in the same region, it is easier to exchange information, tacit capabilities, specialized human capital, and other shared intangible resources than when they are geographically distant This regional co-location reduces coordination barriers, speeds learning, and strengthens the ability to translate insights into market-ready innovations.
Innovation-led industry clustering generates meaningful implications for both the industry it serves and the geographic region where the cluster emerges For firms competing within the industry, competitive advantage grows as they introduce new technologies, leverage knowledge spillovers, and participate in dense networks of suppliers, customers, and talent At the regional level, clusters spur economic growth by attracting investment, accelerating skills development, and enabling more efficient collaboration among universities, startups, and established companies.
Michael Porter's work on clusters, innovation, and competitiveness reveals important policy implications for regional growth and economic vitality His Stockholm presentation from January 2008 serves as a foundational reference, extensively cited in The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2011 report, Fostering Innovation-Led Clusters: A Review of Leading Global Practices The EIU study combines Porter's insights with global best practices to guide policymakers on how to cultivate interconnected clusters that accelerate innovation and competitiveness By translating Porter’s concepts into actionable policy levers—such as cluster governance, collaboration, talent development, and investment in capabilities—the report provides a practical roadmap for building sustainable, innovation-driven economies.
According to Navi Radjou of the Judge Business School, Cambridge, cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit, companies that lower production costs or increase revenues achieve higher profits and an enhanced competitive position in national or global markets As these firms prosper and scale, they attract more knowledge workers to the regions where the new opportunities arise, fueling further employment growth and regional development.
Regional clusters attract a more skilled labor force, enabling companies in the region to draw on a broader talent pool As suppliers and buyers locate nearby, coordination costs decline and opportunities for more complex vertically coordinated innovation emerge Porter notes that clusters also often extend downstream to customers and laterally to manufacturers of complementary products and to companies in industries related by skills, technologies, or common inputs.
Surveying the landscape of ag-related R&D in Colorado
Innovation can be difficult to observe, let alone to quantify Yet, innovation can be thought of as a process that requires inputs of time and effort—which can be measured by proxies such as R&D expenditures or numbers of scientists, engineers, or other “knowledge workers” employed The innovation process also generates outputs of new knowledge and technologies—which can be measured, albeit imperfectly, by proxies such as scientific publications, patents, clinical trials or field trials, new firm births, or new product launches
To understand, in a systematic fashion, who is innovating in the agricultural and food value chain and where, within the state of Colorado, we conducted a landscape analysis of R&D indicators Landscape analyses are used by governments and policymakers “to map scientific and technological trends within specific fields of science and technology… along temporal, technical or spatial dimensions… to represent network connections or the density of clusters of scientific or technological fields.” 11 This landscape analysis draws upon two
R&D output indicators, including peer‑reviewed scientific publications and patents, provide a clear measure of Colorado’s science base These results offer a cross‑sectional view of the state's evolving research ecosystem and its output of technical inventions across the agricultural and food value chain.
Colorado’s science base in agriculture and related fields
Colorado is among the leading states in USDA-funded agricultural research and development In 2011, the latest year for which data is available, Colorado ranked third in federally funded agricultural R&D with $196 million in funding, trailing only California and Texas The lion’s share of this support went to universities and USDA laboratories in metro Denver and the northern Front Range, helping establish one of the nation’s highest concentrations of publicly funded agricultural R&D.
Table 1 Top states by federal agricultural research expenditures
Sources: USDA CRIS; US Census Bureau; US Bureau of Economic Analysis
11 Tania Bubela, Richard Gold, Gregory Graff, et al “Patent landscaping for life sciences innovation: toward consistent and transparent practices,” Nature Biotechnology, Vol 31, No 3, March 2013, pages 202-206
To characterize the activities and dynamics of Colorado’s science base in agriculture and related disciplines, the Web of Science (WoS)—a leading global database of scientific and technical publications provided by Thomson Reuters—is used as the primary data source Analyzing WoS records allows mapping publication output, identifying core research areas, and tracking trends over time to reveal how Colorado’s agricultural science ecosystem is evolving The study also illuminates collaboration patterns among universities, government labs, and industry partners, offering a concise portrait of strengths, gaps, and opportunities in Colorado’s agriculture and allied fields.
Reuters was used to search for all publications from 1990 to 2012 authored by researchers with a Colorado address, spanning the core disciplines of the agricultural value chain The study covered fields including agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, plant sciences, water resources, soil sciences, entomology, veterinary health, and food science This Colorado-based, multi-disciplinary sweep provides a focused snapshot of published research across key agricultural domains during the period.
A total of 14,913 publications were retrieved, with 86% produced by authors affiliated with universities, public agencies, and nonprofit research institutions (public sector R&D), 11% by authors in industry (private sector R&D), and just over 3% published through public-private collaboration As expected, the large majority of publications come from public sector R&D because researchers at universities and government labs use publication as a primary mode of knowledge dissemination more often than researchers at companies Over the past two decades, the state's scientific publication output in this industry has grown steadily, doubling from about 400 publications per year in 1990 to about 800 per year in 2012, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 3.25% (Figure 3).
Figure 3 Scientific and technical publications by Colorado authors in agricultural science, food science, water, animal health, bioenergy, and related disciplines
Colorado's output of scientific publications in agricultural sciences and related disciplines, when normalized to the state's economy, is more than double the national average and higher than other major agricultural research states such as California and Texas (Figure 4) Only North Carolina, with USDA funding and a state GDP comparable to Colorado's (Table 1), exhibits a similar relative rate of agricultural publications.
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 by private sector authors only jointly by public and private sector authors by public sector authors only
Figure 4 illustrates the ratio of annual scientific publications in agriculturally-related disciplines per million dollars of state GDP, serving as a key indicator of the intensity of agricultural research activities relative to overall economic activity By normalizing publication output to state GDP, this metric enables meaningful comparisons of agriculturally-focused research effort across different economies and time periods, highlighting how heavily a state's scientific work concentrates on agriculture in relation to its total economic activity In short, a higher publications-per-GDP ratio signals a stronger emphasis on agriculturally-related research within the state's economic landscape.
Data sources: Web of Science; US Bureau of Economic Analysis
Publications were mapped within the state of Colorado, based on location of the organizations with which authors are affiliated (Figure 5.a, next page) Over
More than 95 percent of Colorado’s agricultural research occurs in the northern Front Range and the metro Denver area, with Fort Collins contributing the largest share This concentration aligns with Fort Collins being home to Colorado State University, which offers major programs in agriculture, veterinary science, natural resources, water, and food science The city also hosts several federal laboratories, including the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the USDA National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation (NCGRP), the U.S Forest Service, the U.S Geological Survey, and the Centers for Disease Control.
Significant numbers of publications also come from Boulder, where the
The University of Colorado offers major programs in the biosciences and water resources, supported by prominent labs such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Denver, Golden, and other metro suburbs also contribute to the region’s research and innovation ecosystem, strengthening collaboration and opportunities across these fields.
Colorado’s agriculture and food science base is distributed statewide, with about 5% of Colorado publications reaching smaller communities on the western slope and the eastern plains Notably, there is a relative lack of publications from the southern Front Range—including Colorado Springs and Pueblo—even though these cities do not host research institutions with a focus on agriculture, food, water, or veterinary science.
ColoradoNorth CarolinaCaliforniaTexasALL U.S.
Figure 5 presents a geographic mapping of R&D activity across agriculture, water, bioenergy, food, and related fields, using cumulative counts from 1990 to 2012; panel (a) shows scientific articles published by the city of the author's institutional affiliation, revealing where research output originates, while panel (b) displays U.S patents filed and granted by the city of the inventor's residence, highlighting regional patterns in innovation and patenting activity.
Colorado’s inventions in agriculture and related technologies
Colorado's role in agricultural technology across the value chain is reflected in patent activity recorded in the Thomson Innovation database By identifying all inventions related to agriculture, water, veterinary medicine, food and beverage manufacturing, and bioenergy with at least one inventor based in Colorado, researchers found 2,548 patent applications filed between 2001 and 2013, and 2,455 U.S patents granted from 1990 to 2013, for a combined total of 5,003 patent records This accounts for roughly five percent of Colorado inventors' total patenting activity during this period, which exceeded 58,000 records Given the share of agriculture and food technologies in the broader economy, this proportion is reasonable for the sector’s innovation footprint in Colorado.
Figure 6 shows two panels: (a) U.S patent applications filed by Colorado inventors in agricultural, water, food, beverage, and biofuel technologies, organized by publication year; (b) U.S patents granted to Colorado inventors in agricultural, water, food, beverage and biofuels technologies, organized by grant year.
12 Published U.S patent applications only became available following legislative changes adopted in the late 1990s
199 0 199 2 199 4 199 6 199 8 200 0 200 2 200 4 200 6 200 8 201 0 201 2 unknown assigned to private sector only assigned to public and private collaborators assigned to public sector only
(Patent applications not published for these years)
Why the Colorado Front Range?
Several hypotheses can explain why the Colorado Front Range concentrates and grows innovation in the agricultural value chain The region seems an ideal environment for innovation in agricultural and food sectors, yet it also lacks some key elements Ultimately, a mix of fundamental economic, geographic, and demographic forces is likely driving the emergence of an innovation cluster along the Front Range’s agricultural value chain.
Colorado has a long history of innovation in agriculture, food, and beverage
Colorado’s history is rooted in entrepreneurship across the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors, a legacy embodied by iconic companies that started here and transformed entire industries Adolph Coors Brewery, founded in 1873 and now part of MillerCoors, survived Prohibition to become a leading name in brewing; Monfort, founded in 1930 and today part of JBS, revolutionized cattle feeding and meatpacking; Leprino Foods, founded in 1950 from a Denver neighborhood deli, grew into a major cheese manufacturer; and Celestial Seasonings, founded in 1969 and now under Hain Celestial, brought herbal teas to mainstream America These firms have powered the region’s economy and fostered a culture that respects and celebrates agriculture and food entrepreneurship as community pillars Denver’s local business ecosystem is also reflected in the Colorado Rockies, owned by Dick Monfort and playing at Coors Field, illustrating how Colorado business leadership extends into the broader fabric of community life.
Colorado has become a nationally recognized center of innovation and entrepreneurship
Colorado stands out on a national scale for its strengths in innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors of the economy While Silicon Valley and the Boston area continue to host the largest numbers of technology firms and venture capital, Colorado—from the Front Range in particular—has climbed in national rankings This growth positions Colorado to compete with leading coastal regions in innovation and entrepreneurship, marking a notable shift in the national tech landscape.
14 Powell, 1991; Porter, 1998; Economist Intelligence Unit, 2011
Colorado has consistently ranked highly in national measures of technology, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial activity In 2012, the Milken Institute placed Colorado fourth in its State Technology and Science Index; in 2013, the U.S Chamber of Commerce named Colorado second for entrepreneurship and innovation; and in 2014, the Kauffman Foundation ranked Colorado fifth in its index for entrepreneurial activity.
Another recent study published by the Kauffman Foundation looked at the per capita concentration of high-tech entrepreneurship in metro areas across the
U.S No less than four cities in Colorado’s Front Range were listed among its
In the top 10 U.S metro areas for high-tech startup density, Boulder leads, followed by Fort Collins, with Silicon Valley (San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara) in third and Cambridge, Massachusetts in fourth Denver ranks sixth, sitting between Seattle and San Francisco, while Colorado Springs is ninth.
National comparative studies and indices draw on a wide range of measures and should be viewed as general indicators that the region possesses a favorable mix of conditions to foster innovation Several commonly cited conditions warrant closer examination, particularly in how they relate to innovation across the agricultural value chain.
The Front Range enjoys a quality of life that attracts and retains talent
Across industries, attracting and retaining top talent is the single most important driver of innovation capacity, and this capability hinges on the region’s quality of life Experienced managers and highly skilled scientists and engineers wield substantial bargaining power, enabling them to choose where to live, work, play, and raise their families, which in turn shapes where organizations invest and innovate.
Colorado’s Front Range offers thriving communities with high-quality K-12 education and a well-educated population, supported by abundant amenities Its natural beauty and world-class recreational opportunities have long made the region a premier tourist and retirement destination In recent years, a renaissance in music, arts, and culinary scenes across Denver, the Front Range, and mountain resort towns has added a new layer of appeal to the area’s traditional strengths Denver is also served by the fifth-busiest airport in the United States, ensuring easy access for visitors and residents alike.
(13 th in the world) with direct flights to many domestic and international
15 2012 State Technology and Science Index, Milken Institute, 2013
16 U.S Chamber of Commerce, Enterprising States 2013: Getting Down to Small Business, United States Chamber of Commerce, 2013
17 Index for Entrepreneurial Activity, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 2014
18 Ian Hathaway, Tech Starts: High-Technology Business Formation and Job Creation in the United
States, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, August 2013 destinations Yet, much of the region still enjoys real estate prices near national averages
The Front Range already supports a robust talent ecosystem that includes managers, scientists, engineers, and skilled technicians and tradespeople with deep experience across the agricultural and food value chain Coupled with a history of agriculture and a strong regional food industry, the area hosts numerous companies and benefits from a concentration of universities, federal labs, and public agencies that attract and employ top scientists and engineers Local universities actively train new graduates, and many choose to stay in the region after completing their studies With this established community in place, the region can readily recruit senior management, scientists, and skilled technicians locally, enabling sustained innovation and growth in the agriculture and food sectors.
Talent attracts talent, and the Colorado Front Range’s thriving talent ecosystem, along with its high quality of life, draws world-class management and scientific talent seeking relocation from coastal cities and other major metro areas For companies relocating to the Front Range, attracting top management and R&D employees is relatively easy, as the region’s appeal persuades leaders and researchers to move to the area.
In the farming and ranching community, land quality, water availability, and access to infrastructure have long driven where producers locate and invest; however, quality of life factors are increasingly shaping the industry’s future along the Front Range As innovative agribusinesses are drawn to or established in the region, this shift creates more job opportunities for those with agricultural backgrounds and particularly helps the younger generation stay in the area, leveraging diverse skills such as software engineering, genetics, biosafety, and social media marketing.
The co-location of major research institutions
The northern Front Range has an excellent alignment of major universities and federal labs relative to one another and to the main population corridor
Historically, Colorado spread its public universities across the Front Range to serve multiple cities, and today the main research universities—the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and Colorado School of Mines—are all located in this same region Each campus is within an hour’s drive of the others, from downtown Denver, and from the area’s airport, creating a dense hub of higher education Federal laboratories were co-located in the same cities, reinforcing ongoing collaboration among these research institutions and making it easier for regional companies to connect with researchers This close proximity fosters partnerships and accelerates innovation, strengthening Colorado’s research ecosystem.
Ventria Bioscience is a biotechnology company specializing in plant-based biomanufacturing of recombinant proteins Ventria can produce a wide range of proteins in significant volume by growing them in the grains of a bioengineered rice crop under carefully controlled conditions.
Ventria, founded in California based on research from the University of California, Berkeley, is dedicated to enabling global access to biotechnology by making its products more affordable and accessible.
In 2006, the company exited California due to the state's unfavorable regulatory environment and tax rates, relocating most of its personnel to the high plains It established its growth and production operations in Manhattan, Kansas, while placing its management offices and R&D facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado.
An inventory of Colorado innovators within the agricultural value chain
Innovators in water technology, infrastructure, analytics, and management
Innovators in bioenergy
8 Innovators in commodity processing and food manufacturing
9 Innovators in dairy production and dairy product manufacturing
10 Innovators in beer, wine, & spirits production and marketing
11 Innovators in natural, organic, and local foods and marketing
12 Innovators in “Fast & Fresh” food service
13 Innovators in other emergent subsectors
Based upon this analysis, several next steps are recommended for cultivating and capitalizing upon this economic growth opportunity
0 As a prerequisite, realize the economic significance and technological sophistication of innovation activities occurring in the agricultural and food value chain The economic significance of introducing game- changing innovations within agriculture, food, water, and bioenergy present real economic opportunity for Colorado
1 First and foremost, develop and attract talent Talent is identified, repeatedly, as the most important factor driving growth of an innovation cluster The availability of skills is the factor most commonly cited by the executives interviewed for this study Talent can be attracted to Colorado from other states based on the high quality of life To develop talent, it falls primarily to universities to supply the kind of high-quality professionals needed in the sciences, engineering, management, law, and finance to really drive the growth of an innovation cluster For those in the farming and ranching community, there is opportunity for younger generations coming off the farm to combine their knowledge of agriculture with specialized skills in science, engineering, or business
2 Identify and support existing activities, and connect existing companies There is already much going on that has arisen in response to market forces and thus has real market potential Growth of a cluster needs mechanisms to facilitate mixing and the spawning of collaborations State government and the universities are in an excellent position to invite private sector innovators into networking events and thereby into deeper discussions
3 Exercise tolerance of different points of view Innovation is, by its very definition, a challenging of the status quo, and it requires a willingness to question how things are done As a state, Colorado has recently been at the center of national debates, such as labelling of genetically modified organisms or cultivation of industrial hemp Simply taking sides and defending ones interests is not helpful Innovation requires listening to other’s concerns, respecting others’ intellectual and emotional responses to issues, and seeking common ground wherein solutions may lie
4 Coordinate vertically, to pilot locally, then sell globally Given the complexity of the value chain, vertical coordination is required for piloting many new technologies The necessary upstream and downstream partners can be found in the Front Range And, the region’s market is large enough to grow within, before seeking to expand nationally and even globally
5 Develop financing mechanisms to assure access to risk capital There may be new opportunities for agricultural innovation by creating financing mechanisms that bring together the market knowledge of agriculturalists with the risk capital expertise of venture investors
6 Take the long view The cultivation of an innovation cluster is a long term effort, measured in decades By some measures, innovation in the agricultural and food value chain has been mounting already in Colorado for at least two decades Success may require another decade of dedicated effort
The objectives of this study 4
What is an innovation-led industry cluster? 5
The value chain of agriculture 7
Global imperatives for innovation in agriculture 9
Section 2 Surveying the landscape of ag-related R&D in Colorado 12
Colorado’s science base in agriculture and related fields 12
Colorado’s inventions in agriculture and related technologies 16
Key observations from Colorado’s landscape of agriculturally-related R&D 17
Section 3 Why the Colorado Front Range? 19
Colorado’s long history of innovation in agriculture, food, and beverage 19
Colorado nationally recognized for innovation and entrepreneurship 19
The Front Range enjoys a quality of life that attracts and retains talent 20
The co-location of major research institutions 21
Proximity of major agricultural production to a major urban corridor 23
The sustainability and market challenges confronting Colorado agriculture are shared in many parts of the world 24
Section 4 An inventory of Colorado innovators within the agricultural value chain 26
1 Innovators in water technology, infrastructure, analytics, and management 28
2 Innovators in soil fertility and pest control 35
3 Innovators in plant genetics and new crop varieties 38
4 Innovators in animal health, nutrition, and herd management 42
CASE STUDY: Animal Health International 46
5 Innovators in agricultural information systems 47
6 Innovators in sensors, testing, and analytics for product quality and biosafety 50
CASE STUDY: Front Range Energy 56
8 Innovators in agricultural commodity processing and food and beverage manufacturing 57
9 Innovators in dairy production and manufacturing 62
10 Innovators in beer, wine, & spirits 64
CASE STUDY: New Belgium Brewing 69
11 Innovators in natural, organic, and local foods 71
12 Innovators in “Fast & Fresh” food service 74
13 Innovators in other emergent categories 76
Section 5 Conclusions and next steps 80
This study accomplishes several things 80
0 As a prerequisite, recognize the economic significance and technological sophistication of innovation activities occurring in the agricultural and food value chain 81
1 First and foremost, develop and attract talent 81
2 Identify and support existing activities and companies 82
3 Exercise tolerance of different points of view 83
4 Coordinate vertically, to pilot locally, then sell globally 83
5 Develop financing mechanisms to assure access to risk capital 83
Photo courtesy of Dan Hilleman
Colorado has long treated agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy and its Western way of life, while also cherishing innovation as a core driver of growth tied to its pioneer heritage Traditionally, the public imagination didn’t fuse these two pillars, but today innovation and agriculture are increasingly converging across Colorado, and the pace of that convergence is accelerating.
Colorado's agricultural and food system is drawing greater investment and engagement from geographic, demographic, and economic forces, with the Denver metro region and the northern Front Range leading the way A growing slate of companies and investors has moved into the region, launched new ventures, or expanded existing operations as they capitalize on these factors Key drivers include the region’s high-quality talent pool supported by strong public research institutions, the scale of primary agricultural production, the close proximity of farming to other economic activities, and the sizable local consumer market Together, these elements create the conditions for the emergence and growth of an innovation-led industry cluster in agriculture and food along the Colorado Front Range.
Public recognition of Colorado’s agriculture innovation cluster has been slow, in part because farming is still seen as a mature, primarily rural industry tied to a traditional way of life and known for a few low-margin commodities By contrast, innovation is often imagined as the domain of hi-tech sectors such as semiconductors, software, or aerospace Yet much of the most compelling advancement in the agricultural value chain sits at the intersection with biotechnology, clean tech, manufacturing, retail, and tourism, which can make it easy to overlook The size and complexity of the value chain—with its interrelated industry sectors, diverse production methods, and evolving technologies—also challenges both the public and many agricultural professionals to recognize all the businesses that feed, clothe, and fuel today’s consumers.
Continued innovation across the agriculture and food value chain is essential for feeding a growing world History shows that agricultural breakthroughs kept production ahead of population growth in the 20th century, helping avert famine To meet the needs of a 9 billion global population and expanding middle class, global agricultural production must increase by about 70 percent by 2050, highlighting the critical role of new technologies, smarter supply chains, and improved farming practices.
Drawing on D Gale Johnson's analysis in Agriculture and the Wealth of Nations (1997), the discussion emphasizes sustaining the quality of landscapes and water resources alongside agricultural development While the current system offers numerous opportunities for efficiency gains and quality improvements, many innovations require more than one-off, incremental changes and will depend on collaboration among multiple players bound together in complex supplier–buyer and competitive relationships.
The agriculture value chain is highly interconnected: innovations in one segment reverberate across others, shaping profitability and decisions throughout the system For instance, a restaurant chain introducing a new business model can create new requirements for its wholesale food suppliers, which in turn influences what farmers find profitable to produce and, consequently, the fertilizers and animal health supplements farmers purchase from farm and veterinary suppliers Because of these deep interdependencies, both vertical and horizontal coordination are key to the successful adoption of innovations; misalignment can stall progress A core idea of cluster theory is that coordination improves when all participants are located within the same geographic region, enhancing collaboration and faster diffusion of innovations.
Innovation can drive Colorado’s economic development in a number of ways The most significant economic benefits result when new products and services are introduced that make life better for consumers Other impacts come from reducing the costs—or increasing the efficiencies—of providing already familiar products and services Yet, the activities of undertaking innovation are, in themselves, primary drivers of economic development—whether it be conducting R&D, consulting for clients, launching new ventures, or providing specialized business, legal, and financial services These activities require highly-skilled and well-paid knowledge workers When adopted in the market, an innovation can make profits for the company that introduces it While many of these economic development benefits are realized globally, or at least nationally, they can particularly benefit the region where the innovator is located and its innovation activities are conducted
The objectives of this study
• To recognize the emergence of an innovation-led industry cluster by reframing conventional views of the industry to consider overlapping interests across the entire integrated value chain of agriculture
• To identify the geographic footprint of this emergent innovation cluster, deriving it empirically from a landscape analysis of innovation data This is important to update conventional notions of agricultural innovation as only involving rural areas
2 Pardey, P G., Beddow, J M., Hurley, T M., Beatty, T K.M and Eidman, V R (2014), A Bounds Analysis of World Food Futures: Global Agriculture Through to 2050 Australian Journal of
• To explore the fundamental factors that are favoring the Colorado
Front Range as a location for innovation in the agricultural value chain, including geographic, demographic, and economic factors
• To identify the main technology categories in which Colorado firms and research institutions are innovating, as well as their structural interrelationships within the value chain
• To provide an inventory of companies and organizations in Colorado that are engaged in innovation in the agricultural value chain, and their locations
• To recommend next steps for encouraging growth of this emergent innovation cluster, such as cultivating talent, coordinating mechanisms for collaboration, and financing of innovation
What is an innovation-led industry cluster?
Innovators in agricultural commodity processing and food and beverage
Innovation in commodity processing and food manufacturing encompasses new product invention and development, ongoing quality and efficiency improvements, and strengthened food safety throughout the value chain Commodity processing is the first step after harvest: for field crops this means milling grain and pressing oilseeds; for vegetables and fruits it means washing, refrigerating, and packing for the fresh market, or peeling, slicing, dicing, pureeing, blending, parboiling, or freezing for processed or frozen foods In livestock, processing includes slaughter, rendering, butchering, curing, marinating, smoking, precooking, packing, freezing, and other steps The next stage is the manufacturing of food and beverage products, which spans hundreds of sub-industries; notable areas of innovation include dairy products, brewing, winemaking, distilling, and natural and organic foods.
This inventory highlights major anchor corporations driving innovation in the food and beverage industries, followed by specialized firms with strengths in ingredient development, the design and manufacture of processing equipment, and the creation of information and product identity tracking systems.
Major anchor corporations innovating in agricultural commodity processing and food and beverage manufacturing
Company Location Company or technology description 35 W oS p ub lic at io ns 36 U S p at en ts Ardent Mills
(incl former ConAgra) Denver wheat milling 7 2
(Smart Balance, Evol, Udi's) Boulder natural food products
Cargill Meat Solutions Fort Morgan beef slaughter, processing and packing
(Hain Celestial Group) Boulder product development, production, and marketing of herbal teas and other natural food and beverage brands 3
Colorado Premium Foods Greeley integrated R&D program encompassing production, quality assurance, purchasing, and sales to develop and introduce new meat products
Boulder omega-3 fatty acids, and other health enhancing food ingredients 12 246
(owned by Abbott) Golden performance based nutritional supplements 1
(owned by Ingredion, former Corn Products
Golden functional food ingredients, such as natural prebiotic fiber, for food ingredient and livestock markets 2
Greeley beef slaughter, processing and packing 2 68
Leprino Foods Denver cheese manufacturing 2 83
Penford Food Corporation Centennial food ingredients and manufacturing 2 22
Pilgrim's (owned by JBS) Greeley poultry processing
Western Sugar Cooperative Denver sugar beet refining and co-products 2 2
Broomfield dairy and soy beverages 2
35 Total number of Web of Science publications found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
36 Total number of U.S patent applications and grants found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
Other companies innovating in agricultural commodity processing and food and beverage manufacturing
Ingredient or food product manufacturing and technology
Keen Ingredients Denver quinoa processing 4
Lifeline Nutraceuticals Corp Englewood health enhancing food ingredients 3
MicroPure Technologies Fort Collins probiotics 5
MicroTender Industries Denver meat tenderizing 8
Corporation Denver lamb feeding, slaughter, processing and packing 1
Multigrain International LLC Fort Collins pulse commodities (pinto bean, sunflower, canary seed) production, processing, and marketing 2
(formerly Oberon FMR) Aurora extraction of protein biomass from food industry waste water, up-cycling for use as animal feed and fertilizer 4
Trinidad Benham Corp Denver merchandising, packaging, trading and distribution of dry beans, rice
Colorado Aromatics Longmont bulk bases, herbs, and herb extracts for small cosmetics companies 1
Atlas Pacific Engineering Pueblo food manufacturing equipment 26
CoorsTek Golden materials for use in food processing and beverage handling equipment
HDR Denver engineering for water, agribusiness, food & beverage manufacturing 8
Johns Manville Denver ag equipment and construction 2 13
Kryptane Systems Louisville rollers for ag processing and manufacturing equipment 1
Magnuson Corporation Pueblo supplier of food processing machinery to food processing plants 5
Noffsinger Manufacturing Greeley agricultural conveyor chain, along with related rollers, cones, and drive sprockets 1
Oliver Manufacturing La Junta equipment for processing and refining edibles and grains, including sizers, separators, de-stoners, and dryer/coolers
Portec Canon City specialty conveyors 1
Equipment Fort Morgan hide pullers 1
Commodity and food product data and information systems
Hazen Research Golden biomass feedstock characterization and biorefining process development 1 4
Sugars International Englewood process modeling and simulation software to analyze and improve beet and cane sugar factories and refineries 5
(AgInfoLink) Westminster web-based supplier, compliance, and regulatory document management system that automates supplier risk, data, and documentation 9
Where Food Comes From Castle Rock products and services to track, record, manage, report, and audit key data regarding livestock and other food products
Non-profit industry associations supporting and promoting agricultural commodity processing and food manufacturing innovation in Colorado
Foundation Denver research and development, education and technical programs of common interest to sugar beet process and seed companies 4
Colorado Corn Greeley market development, promotion, research, education, advocacy and legislative support for corn farmers and their communities
Center Denver economic analysis and market projections concerning the livestock industry 1
U.S Meat Export Federation Denver developing international markets for U.S beef, pork, lamb and veal 2
Wheat Foods Council Ridgway increasing awareness of dietary grains as an essential component to a healthy diet 6
Academic and nonprofit research institutions active in agricultural commodity processing and food manufacturing innovation in Colorado
Colorado State University Fort Collins 7,616 59
University of Northern Colorado Greeley 62
Public regulatory agencies active in agricultural commodity processing and food manufacturing innovation in Colorado
Ardent Mills, a newly created three-way joint venture of ConAgra Foods (of
Omaha, Nebraska), Cargill (of Minneapolis, Minnesota) and CHS (of St Paul,
Minnesota-based, the largest wheat milling company in the U.S., is setting up its new headquarters in Denver, Colorado Innovation is a core part of the company’s mission, as stated in a recent press release: “to be a trusted partner in nurturing customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions.” The move highlights the firm’s commitment to innovation and nutritious grain-based solutions while expanding its footprint in the western United States.
In another public statement, Ardent’s CEO Dan Dye explained, “selecting the
Choosing the Denver area as Ardent Mills’ home will support top-quality employee life, excellent customer service, and long-term growth for the business Denver’s advantages include direct flight access to our milling facilities across the U.S., proximity to our Commerce City and Denver mills, and strong linkages with Colorado wheat farmers and industry associations, plus opportunities to collaborate with Colorado’s research universities, especially Colorado State University (CSU).
$5.6 million incentive package offered to Ardent Mills helped But, fundamentally
Dye believes Colorado “is reflective of the health conscious, active, innovative nature of the Ardent Mills’ brand.” •
JBS USA Inc., headquartered and operating large feedlots and a state-of-the-art slaughter and meatpacking facility in Greeley, Colorado, is part of JBS SA, the largest animal protein company in the world based in Sao Paulo, Brazil The Greeley operations trace their roots to the stockyards of the Monfort Company of Colorado, founded in 1930, which entered the slaughter and meatpacking business in 1960 In 1987 ConAgra acquired Monfort and shortly thereafter also acquired Swift, and between 2002 and 2004 ConAgra spun off its combined red meat business under the name Swift, which was acquired by JBS in 2007 Two years later, JBS bought neighboring Pilgrim’s Pride The parent company, JBS, was founded in 1953 as a beef slaughter company by Brazilian rancher Jose Batista Sobrinho, hence the initials “JBS.”
JBS focuses its innovation in two main areas: process efficiency and premium product branding The company has implemented numerous incremental improvements to the butchering process that boost efficiency, reduce costs, and better meet customer specifications At the same time, JBS is developing and branding top-quality meat cuts to command premium prices in the market.
Despite changes in ownership and corporate structure over the years, the company has maintained its key location in Northern Colorado Its substantial animal production along the Front Range has helped draw other agriculturally oriented companies, such as Front Range Energy, by creating supply-chain synergies The site now also supports talent recruitment, as reflected in the company's message that "The people of Northern Colorado embody the spirit and attitude that is the Colorado lifestyle."
Not overly pretentious, the cities of Northern Colorado embrace a "to each his own" mindset that shapes social norms They blend outdoor adventure with metropolitan culture and a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences, all wrapped in the welcoming charm of small-town life.
Innovators in “Fast & Fresh” food service
13 Innovators in other emergent subsectors
Based upon this analysis, several next steps are recommended for cultivating and capitalizing upon this economic growth opportunity
0 As a prerequisite, realize the economic significance and technological sophistication of innovation activities occurring in the agricultural and food value chain The economic significance of introducing game- changing innovations within agriculture, food, water, and bioenergy present real economic opportunity for Colorado
1 First and foremost, develop and attract talent Talent is identified, repeatedly, as the most important factor driving growth of an innovation cluster The availability of skills is the factor most commonly cited by the executives interviewed for this study Talent can be attracted to Colorado from other states based on the high quality of life To develop talent, it falls primarily to universities to supply the kind of high-quality professionals needed in the sciences, engineering, management, law, and finance to really drive the growth of an innovation cluster For those in the farming and ranching community, there is opportunity for younger generations coming off the farm to combine their knowledge of agriculture with specialized skills in science, engineering, or business
2 Identify and support existing activities, and connect existing companies There is already much going on that has arisen in response to market forces and thus has real market potential Growth of a cluster needs mechanisms to facilitate mixing and the spawning of collaborations State government and the universities are in an excellent position to invite private sector innovators into networking events and thereby into deeper discussions
3 Exercise tolerance of different points of view Innovation is, by its very definition, a challenging of the status quo, and it requires a willingness to question how things are done As a state, Colorado has recently been at the center of national debates, such as labelling of genetically modified organisms or cultivation of industrial hemp Simply taking sides and defending ones interests is not helpful Innovation requires listening to other’s concerns, respecting others’ intellectual and emotional responses to issues, and seeking common ground wherein solutions may lie
4 Coordinate vertically, to pilot locally, then sell globally Given the complexity of the value chain, vertical coordination is required for piloting many new technologies The necessary upstream and downstream partners can be found in the Front Range And, the region’s market is large enough to grow within, before seeking to expand nationally and even globally
5 Develop financing mechanisms to assure access to risk capital There may be new opportunities for agricultural innovation by creating financing mechanisms that bring together the market knowledge of agriculturalists with the risk capital expertise of venture investors
6 Take the long view The cultivation of an innovation cluster is a long term effort, measured in decades By some measures, innovation in the agricultural and food value chain has been mounting already in Colorado for at least two decades Success may require another decade of dedicated effort
The objectives of this study 4
What is an innovation-led industry cluster? 5
The value chain of agriculture 7
Global imperatives for innovation in agriculture 9
Section 2 Surveying the landscape of ag-related R&D in Colorado 12
Colorado’s science base in agriculture and related fields 12
Colorado’s inventions in agriculture and related technologies 16
Key observations from Colorado’s landscape of agriculturally-related R&D 17
Section 3 Why the Colorado Front Range? 19
Colorado’s long history of innovation in agriculture, food, and beverage 19
Colorado nationally recognized for innovation and entrepreneurship 19
The Front Range enjoys a quality of life that attracts and retains talent 20
The co-location of major research institutions 21
Proximity of major agricultural production to a major urban corridor 23
The sustainability and market challenges confronting Colorado agriculture are shared in many parts of the world 24
Section 4 An inventory of Colorado innovators within the agricultural value chain 26
1 Innovators in water technology, infrastructure, analytics, and management 28
2 Innovators in soil fertility and pest control 35
3 Innovators in plant genetics and new crop varieties 38
4 Innovators in animal health, nutrition, and herd management 42
CASE STUDY: Animal Health International 46
5 Innovators in agricultural information systems 47
6 Innovators in sensors, testing, and analytics for product quality and biosafety 50
CASE STUDY: Front Range Energy 56
8 Innovators in agricultural commodity processing and food and beverage manufacturing 57
9 Innovators in dairy production and manufacturing 62
10 Innovators in beer, wine, & spirits 64
CASE STUDY: New Belgium Brewing 69
11 Innovators in natural, organic, and local foods 71
12 Innovators in “Fast & Fresh” food service 74
13 Innovators in other emergent categories 76
Section 5 Conclusions and next steps 80
This study accomplishes several things 80
0 As a prerequisite, recognize the economic significance and technological sophistication of innovation activities occurring in the agricultural and food value chain 81
1 First and foremost, develop and attract talent 81
2 Identify and support existing activities and companies 82
3 Exercise tolerance of different points of view 83
4 Coordinate vertically, to pilot locally, then sell globally 83
5 Develop financing mechanisms to assure access to risk capital 83
Photo courtesy of Dan Hilleman
Colorado has long centered its economy and Western identity on agriculture while also embracing innovation as a core driver of growth rooted in its pioneer culture Yet these two strengths haven’t always been seen as one and the same in the public imagination Today, agriculture and innovation are converging across Colorado, and the pace of this integration is accelerating, blending farming know-how with technology to reshape the state’s economic landscape.
Geographic, demographic, and economic forces are driving greater investment and engagement in innovation within Colorado's agricultural and food system, with momentum strongest in the Denver metro area and the northern Front Range Companies and investors are taking note, starting new ventures, expanding existing businesses, or relocating operations to the region Key drivers include a high-caliber regional talent pool, robust public research institutions, abundant primary agricultural production, the close proximity of that production to other economic activities, and a sizable local consumer market Together, these elements lay the groundwork for an innovation-led industry cluster in agriculture and food along the Colorado Front Range.
Public recognition of Colorado’s agriculture-focused innovation cluster has been slow, possibly because agriculture is still seen as a mature, rural, primary industry tied to a traditional way of life and the low-margin production of a few familiar commodities Meanwhile, innovation is often associated with hi-tech sectors like semiconductors, software, or aerospace, which can obscure the agricultural breakthroughs happening within the value chain Much of the most interesting innovation in agriculture sits at the intersection with other industries—biotechnology, clean tech, manufacturing, retail, and tourism—making it easy to overlook The challenge is compounded by the size and complexity of the agricultural value chain, with interrelated industry sectors and a wide range of production methods and technologies, so even the public and many agricultural professionals struggle to recognize all the businesses that feed, clothe, and fuel today’s consumers.
Innovation in the agriculture and food value chain has underpinned productivity, allowing agricultural output to outpace global population growth and helping to avert famine through the 20th century Continued innovation will be essential to achieve roughly a 70 percent increase in global agricultural production by 2050 to meet the needs of a largely middle‑class population of about 9 billion.
Drawing on D Gale Johnson’s Agriculture and the Wealth of Nations (American Economic Review, 1997), the argument highlights that sustaining the quality of landscapes and water resources is essential to agricultural prosperity Although the current system offers meaningful opportunities for efficiency gains and quality improvements, many innovations will exceed simple, one-off changes and demand coordinated action across diverse actors Progress will therefore depend on forming multi-stakeholder collaborations within complex supplier–buyer and competitive relationships that can unlock the scale and complementarities needed for transformative change.
The agriculture value chain is highly interconnected: innovations in one segment can ripple through to wholesalers, farmers, and input suppliers, for example a restaurant chain’s new business model creating new demands that influence what farmers profitably grow and which fertilizers or animal-health products they purchase from farm and veterinary suppliers Because of these deep interdependencies, vertical and horizontal coordination are essential to turning innovation into success; without alignment, new ideas can stall Cluster theory suggests that vertical and horizontal coordination improves when participants are co-located in a single geographic region, amplifying collaboration and efficiency across the agriculture value chain.
Innovation drives Colorado's economic development in multiple ways, with the largest gains coming when new products and services improve consumers’ lives Additional benefits arise from reducing costs and increasing efficiency in delivering existing offerings Beyond outcomes, the activities of innovating—R&D, consulting for clients, launching new ventures, and providing specialized business, legal, and financial services—are themselves powerful engines of growth that require highly skilled, well-paid knowledge workers When adopted in the market, innovations can generate profits for the companies that introduce them, and while these benefits are realized globally or nationally, they can be especially impactful for the region where the innovation is developed and deployed.
The objectives of this study
• To recognize the emergence of an innovation-led industry cluster by reframing conventional views of the industry to consider overlapping interests across the entire integrated value chain of agriculture
This study identifies the geographic footprint of this emergent innovation cluster by deriving it empirically from a landscape analysis of innovation data, showing how agricultural innovation spans beyond traditional boundaries By mapping spatial patterns across diverse datasets, it demonstrates that agricultural innovation extends beyond rural areas, challenging conventional notions that associate innovation solely with the countryside These findings update prevailing views of agricultural innovation, highlighting multi-regional activity and the wider geographic footprint of innovation in agriculture.
2 Pardey, P G., Beddow, J M., Hurley, T M., Beatty, T K.M and Eidman, V R (2014), A Bounds Analysis of World Food Futures: Global Agriculture Through to 2050 Australian Journal of
• To explore the fundamental factors that are favoring the Colorado
Front Range as a location for innovation in the agricultural value chain, including geographic, demographic, and economic factors
• To identify the main technology categories in which Colorado firms and research institutions are innovating, as well as their structural interrelationships within the value chain
• To provide an inventory of companies and organizations in Colorado that are engaged in innovation in the agricultural value chain, and their locations
• To recommend next steps for encouraging growth of this emergent innovation cluster, such as cultivating talent, coordinating mechanisms for collaboration, and financing of innovation
What is an innovation-led industry cluster?
Innovators in other emergent categories
These preceding dozen categories encompass a large majority of the innovators identified to be active in
Beyond Colorado’s agricultural and food value chain, a number of companies are innovating in areas that lie outside these traditional categories Other emerging segments show promise but currently lack the scale and diversity of innovating organizations Because they are new, they often lack supporting research from universities or public agencies, and at least one faces constraints from unclear legal frameworks Their futures depend largely on developments in the industry and in policy.
Several factors are aligning to spur regional expertise in greenhouse technologies, with rising demand for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables from consumers and restaurants and a growing interest in urban agriculture that repurposes small undeveloped parcels and former industrial sites within residential or light industrial zones Off-season production relies on protection from frost, while high-value crops such as flowers and leafy greens benefit from shielding against hail, which is not uncommon in summer Readily available natural gas from energy development along the Front Range, together with advances in wind and solar, may lower heating costs during colder months Colorado’s demand for greenhouse space has been very strong recently, likely fueling further construction and creating a healthy environment for adopting and testing new greenhouse system designs.
Companies and research institutions innovating in greenhouse cultivation systems in Colorado
Name Location Company or technology description 42 W oS p ub lic at io ns 43 U S p at en ts
AeroGrow International Inc Boulder aeroponic growing kits for home use 2 40
Cherry Creek Systems Colorado Springs greenhouse automation 2
Circle Fresh Farms Denver local, organic Colorado produce
Euteq Llc Boulder Hydroponic plant growth systems with activated carbon and/or carbonized fiber substrates 3 grofax Denver retail hydroponic supply center
Paulino Gardens Inc Denver full service nursery and garden center 2
Q Industries Inc Boulder "pulse drip irrigation" equipment for home and small scale irrigation systems 5
Rachio Denver smart sprinkler system
Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises Centennial automated greenhouse systems 21
Colorado State University Fort Collins 7,616
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Fort Collins 1,080
42 Total number of Web of Science publications found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
43 Total number of U.S patent applications and grants found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
Hemp cultivation is legal in many countries, including Canada, Australia, China, and much of Europe, while the 2014 Farm Bill in the United States allows colleges and state departments of agriculture to conduct R&D on the agronomy and potential commercial applications of industrial hemp and to license farmers and companies to do so within the state Federal requirements stipulate that such work can proceed only where state laws authorize hemp cultivation and that cultivation be registered with the state department of agriculture Industrial hemp is defined as Cannabis varieties that lack the narcotic psychoactive compound THC, technically containing less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight.
Global estimates for the hemp products market range from tens of millions of dollars annually to well over $100 million, reflecting growing demand worldwide Fifteen states have adopted laws allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Carolina.
Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia
The hemp plant is capable of growing in marginal soils and with lower water requirements than many other crops
Hemp fiber offers a wide range of applications, from apparel and cordage to construction and industrial composite materials The seeds and oils are edible and provide notable nutritional benefits, especially high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, making hemp a valuable livestock feed supplement The plant is also used for animal bedding materials, biofuels, and bioremediation of contaminated soils.
Colorado enacted a law in May 2013 allowing the cultivation and possession of industrial hemp before the federal Farm Bill and charged the Colorado Department of Agriculture with establishing a hemp registration system The statute also created a hemp remediation pilot program to test whether hemp plants can extract contaminants from polluted soils Despite these advances, gaps remain in the legal framework, including ongoing restrictions on importing hemp seeds into the state and unclear legality of industrial processing and the production of final consumer products such as hemp fiber and hemp foods.
Entrepreneurs are forming a wave of companies to capitalize on the emerging industrial hemp opportunity Under the oversight of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, many firms have applied for and obtained permits to cultivate industrial hemp for research and development purposes A growing number of nascent industry associations have formed to support the advancement of the agricultural value chain for hemp and its derivative products In close collaboration with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, these efforts aim to foster innovation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth across the hemp sector.
Colorado State University and the University of Colorado are actively exploring research and development activities that fall within the legal space defined by the 2014 Farm Bill for cannabis-related studies So far, the work is limited and largely indirect, with efforts including indexing the Cannabis genome from data provided by the National Institutes of Health gene sequence databases and chemically characterizing plant compounds for their potential pharmaceutical applications.
A sampling of companies innovating in industrial hemp in Colorado
ASA Natural Industries, based in Ridgway, Colorado, has received approval from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to cultivate industrial hemp This official authorization confirms the company’s compliance with state hemp regulations and positions ASA Natural Industries to participate in Colorado’s growing hemp industry, leveraging local agricultural resources and exploring potential opportunities in hemp-derived products and technologies.
CannaEnergy Denver hemp infused energy drink
Centennial Seeds Lafayette hemp seed production; approved by Colorado Department of
Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Distributors Westminster business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Colorado Hemp Tea Lafayette unique use of hemp seed for beverage manufacturing
Colorado Hemp Company Loveland hemp textile products wholesaler
Colorado Hemp Project Littleton business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Delta 9 Farms Pueblo business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Eagle Springs Organic Rifle business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Springs hemp and other natural fiber products wholesale and retail
Hemp Health Boulder ‘evo hemp’ fruit, nut, and seed nutrition bar
Green Sun Seeds Boulder business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
44 Total number of Web of Science publications found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
45 Total number of U.S patent applications and grants found by this study to be associated with this organization, regardless of category
Hemp Cleans Colorado Springs cultivation of hemp plants for phytoremediation of contaminated soils
HempGene Fort Collins Next-generation gene sequencing and genetic fingerprinting for strain identification marker assisted breeding for superior grain, fiber, and biomass production
Hundley Hemp Boulder business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Mile High Hemp Brighton informational and educational services; planning hemp processing services for wholesale and retail markets; business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Native Hemp Corp Longmont business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
New West Genetics Fort Collins breeding of new varieties for industrial use; business approved by
Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Otoké Horticulture Denver agronomic advising for hemp producers 1
Renewal Seeds Timnath business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Rocky Mountain Hemp Inc Springfield /
Crested Butte industrial hemp producer and processor of hemp oil, hemp protein powder, and edible hemp fiber
Summit Plant Laboratories Fort Collins business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Western Colorado Hemp Palisade business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Nonprofit industry associations supporting and promoting innovation in industrial hemp
Agricultural Hemp Initiative Denver organization engaged in educating the public and lawmakers about the economic and environmental benefits of growing agricultural hemp as a legitimate crop for farmers in Colorado
Coalition Denver dedicated to sharing information about industrial hemp, including regulations and agricultural requirements in Colorado, uses, and development
Association Denver official association for Colorado hemp industry
Growers Association Paonia business approved by Colorado Department of Agriculture to grow industrial hemp
Academic research institutions and state agencies exploring opportunities for innovation in industrial hemp
Colorado State University Fort Collins 7,616 59