Colorado bill set to protect state-grown produce 

The state of Colorado is joining the battle against counterfeit produce with the passing of House Bill 26-1031. The provision, in effect since mid-August, seeks to protect local growers from the financial and reputational impacts of out-of-state produce sold as locally grown. 

The provision was the result of a bipartisan effort and was championed by state representatives Matt Soper (R) and Matthew Martinez (D), and Senators Dylan Roberts (D) and Marc Catlin (R). Infractors face fines of up to $20,000. 

According to reports by the Organic Produce Network, the Palisade Chamber of Commerce brought this issue to Soper’s attention, claiming that counterfeit produce had become more of an issue in recent years. Palisade peaches have been among the most affected, as the variety is widely known for its superior sweetness and juiciness. 

Jessica Burford, CEO of the trade organization, told the media outlet that peaches from states such as Georgia, Texas, Arizona, and California have been spotted being sold as Colorado fruit as soon as May, when local peaches are not even ready for harvest. 

"What would happen is you would have someone who would set up a canopy and have a box of peaches for sale significantly cheaper than any of the Colorado ones," Soper told OPN. "Come to find out, upon inspection, they were peaches that were being brought in from places like Georgia or California. They were being marketed as Colorado-grown, Palisade-grown peaches."

Small growers are set to benefit the most from this new bill, as they rely on Palisade peaches’ reputation, which was built by generations of state growers and has garnered strong consumer trust over the years. 

Protecting Colorado Proud produce

Additionally, the bill seeks to protect against the erosion of the “Colorado Proud” brand, which is given solely by the state’s Department of Agriculture. The label was created to promote state-grown produce and protect the reputation of state staples such as Pueblo chile peppers, Rocky Ford Melons, San Luis Valley potatoes, and the aforementioned Palisade peaches. 

Image courtesy of the Colorado Department of Agriculture via Facebook.

“We get a lot of our produce from South America, California, and Florida, but we want to make sure that when we do, Colorado consumers aren’t being tricked into thinking that it’s Colorado Proud produce,” said Governor Jared Polis back in April, when he signed the bill into law. 

He emphasized the importance of the brand and logo, stating that building consumer awareness has required a lot of effort from the state's Department of Agriculture.

“Coloradoans react with great support for Colorado Proud produce, and this will help us protect it,” he added.

*All images are referential. 

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