September 2025

Fall is just around the corner, and this month’s newsletter brings you updates and information about our Center’s remaining activities. Although we must cease most of our activities by September 15, given the termination of this program at the national level, we will continue supporting the Business Builder grants that we have disbursed (more than $2 million to small and mid-scale food and farm businesses), and begin planning for how we can continue to bring innovation and opportunity to our communities in the months to come.

Join us for Native Grown and Gathered in Seattle to celebrate Native food systems and food entrepreneurs, numerous workshops and pitch competitions throughout the region, and webinars to keep you up to date on the ideas percolating across our 6 states. Details are in our events calendar.

In our October newsletter, look for ways to remain connected with several of our team members and their programs, as well as what’s next for our Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Collaborative!

Martha Sullins, Colorado State University

Assistant Director, Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center

Co-Lead, New Markets team



In the first half of 2025, the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center continued to strengthen regional food systems through technical assistance, business support, and partnership building:

• 1,513 individuals received direct technical assistance
• $2 million distributed through 118 Business Builder subawards
• 2,121 new partnerships and collaborations formed
• 212 partnerships reported increased sales of regional food products
• 701 partnerships reported more efficient and coordinated use of resources
• 217 partnerships secured additional funding

The graphic below shows the number of individuals trained by topic through Center programming:

With Center operations concluding this month, we celebrate the momentum gained, connections built, and investments made in 2025. The seeds planted through this work will only continue to grow across our region!

This August, food entrepreneurs from across the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Region had the chance to showcase their products at Newtopia Now in Denver, Colorado—one of the nation’s premier gatherings for natural and organic consumer packaged goods (CPG). Thanks to the support of the Northwest and Rocky Mountain USDA Regional Food Business Center, businesses attended through two different sponsorship opportunities, each designed to expand market access and connections.

Through the New Markets for Grains, Pulses, and Pseudocereals team, five regional businesses—Amza Superfoods, FarmtoYou, Ojaswe Co LLC, Northern Latitude Foods, and Zacca Hummus—joined the event. For Washington state business owner Ash Glover-Ganapathiraju of Ojaswe, the experience marked a leap into a larger-scale trade show. “We were able to connect with some regional and national buyers and get their feedback, connect with our certifying bodies, and learn from peers who had attended the show before,” she shared. Ojaswe was one of only two food businesses to take home the Nexty Finalist Award, a recognition of inspiration, integrity, and innovation.

In addition, through separate sponsorship support from the Center, Food with Roots, led by Chef Edouardo Jordan, also had the opportunity to attend Newtopia Now. Chef Jordan was able to connect with national buyers from Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, Thrive Market, and more—key steps in expanding Food with Roots into new markets nationwide. Equally impactful were the conversations with other founders and CEOs, who shared valuable insights on scaling mission-driven brands.

Together, these opportunities reflect the Center’s commitment to helping regional food and farm businesses gain visibility on the national stage, connect with buyers, and strengthen the presence of diverse, innovative products in grocery aisles across the country.

Check out the awesome businesses who attended through this funding opportunity:

Jolma Ren, Amza Superfoods

James Wahl, FarmtoYou

Ash Glover-Ganapathiraju, Ojaswe Co LLC

McKinley Dixon, Northern Latitude Foods

Janine Zacca Zenner, Zacca Hummus

Chef Edouardo Jordan, Food with Roots

Photo above courtesy of Ash Glover-Ganapathiraju (third from left)

Photo on right courtesy of Edouardo Jordan

The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center's New Markets for Grains, Pulses, and Pseudocereals team partnered with the Washington State team to support Washington State University’s Bread Lab in hosting its third annual Buckwheat Fest on August 8th. The event brought together bakers, chefs, growers, processors, and buckwheat enthusiasts from across Washington and beyond.

Attendees enjoyed hands-on processing demonstrations, cooking workshops, and a tasting event designed to showcase the versatility of this resilient grain. The full-day program drew 50 participants, while 125 guests joined the tasting featuring samples from 15 food vendors and four breweries/cideries.

Representatives from the New Markets team, the Washington team, and Washington State Department of Agriculture Regional Markets connected attendees with resources and opportunities to grow their buckwheat-based businesses.

Thank you to the New Markets team for their support and to the WSU Bread Lab for hosting such a vibrant, educational event! Learn more about the Bread Lab and stay updated on future opportunities through their website.

From bold flavors to sustainable solutions, these eleven entrepreneurs are redefining Colorado’s food economy—and they’ll be taking the stage at the 2025 Colorado Food & Agriculture Collision:

• Antonette Camacho, Bombitas – Bath bomb–shaped spice bombs packed with fresh ground chili and seasonings for authentic Mexican meals.
• John Carter, The Good Juice Company – Raw, cold-pressed juices, nut milks, and meal shakes crafted in partnership with Colorado farms.
• Graciela McGowan, Grabella’s – Gluten-free sweet potato waffles that are as wholesome as they are delicious.
• Jasmine Iganian, Leemu – Persian-inspired vinaigrettes designed with the philosophy of food as healing from within.
• Char’Les & Zyaire Hawkins, Little Sistas Treats – Cheesecake cones, cupcakes, jamz cookies, and classic pies that celebrate family and flavor.
• Claudia Bouvier, Pastificio Boulder – Organic, heirloom wheat dry pasta made with whole grain flour, honoring tradition with every bite.
• Adam Long, Pax Farms – Gourmet, soy-free mushrooms grown beyond organic in the Gunnison Valley.
• Danielle Drescher, Rooted Broth – The first on-the-go complete protein bone broth in a tea bag, with 10g protein and 5–7g collagen per cup.
• Jared Horvat, Snowmelt Sauces – Hot sauces made from locally fire-roasted chilies that pack flavor and heat.
• Wendi Archambault, Trailhead Cookie Co – Mountain-inspired gourmet cookies made with real ingredients for adventurous snackers.
• Kevin Murphy, Horizon Verjus Company – Verjus, the non-alcoholic juice of upcycled, unripe Colorado wine grapes, a bright substitute for lemon or lime in food and drinks.

These trailblazers represent the creativity and resilience shaping Colorado’s food future. Don’t miss their pitches as they compete for recognition and top honors!

When: September 12, 4:30 – 7:30 PM MT

Where: CSU Spur, Hydro Building, 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO

The Groovy Blue Jay food truck in Ronan, MT—recently voted “Best Sandwich in the Valley”—is thriving thanks to support from Mission West Community Development Partners (DBA Lake County Community Development). Mission West was awarded funding through the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center's Business Builder Grant program.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 11,000 consulting hours provided to 900+ clients, Mission West helps food and ag entrepreneurs grow through kitchen facilities, business guidance, and product development. Food truck owners Ryan and Ashley Lawrence credit Mission West as “the hub of information” that opened new doors for their business—showcasing how local support can turn fresh ideas into community favorites.

Funding provided by:

Center Leads: Colorado State University, Oregon State University

Regional/multi-state: Tahoma Peak Solutions, Network of Incubators and Community Kitchens (The Nick), Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Luna Bird, The Food Corridor

Colorado: Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University

Oregon: Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University Food Innovation Center, Oregon Community Food Systems Network, Oregon Food Hub Network

Idaho: University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Agriculture, FARE Idaho, Future Roots, Arrowleaf Consulting Group

Montana: Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana State University

Washington: Washington State University, Washington State Department of Agriculture

Wyoming: University of Wyoming, Central Wyoming College

USDA: Ag Marketing Service Collaborators and NW-Rocky Mountain Regional Coordinator

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