STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

In response to local restaurateurs’ demand for locally grown garlic, Future Roots has made a targeted investment to increase local production of culinary and seed garlic.

The nonprofit organization’s new Harvest Production Fund awarded a $6,000 zero-interest loan to Drinkers of the Wind Farm in Bellevue. It will help increase the farm’s garlic production for 2027 six times.

The loan addresses a clear gap in the regional food system for certified white rot-free culinary and seed garlic, said Mike Gordon, communications manager for Future Roots. Local restaurant owners say they can’t get their hands on enough locally grown garlic, and it can be expensive to grow.

This is the first in a series of targeted investments designed to increase the supply of regionally grown food in the Wood River Valley.

“The topic of product scarcity comes up with farmers, gardeners, chefs and home cooks all the time, and garlic is always on that list,” said Amy Mattias, Future Roots executive director. “The Harvest Production Fund is designed to turn that feedback into action. We can get loans out to farmers fast and have a significant impact on the amount of a product available in the market within a year.” 

Brooke Bonner, owner of Drinkers of the Wind Farm on Broadford Road in Bellevue, said Future Roots’ responsiveness catalyzes growth in the local food system: “Their team saw the opportunity, heard my concerns, and responded quickly and efficiently with a workable solution.”

Future Roots will announce additional targets in 2027 following roundtable discusses, market analyses and community engagement opportunities. To learn more, email impactfund@futureroots.org.

Future Roots, founded to foster a resilient regional food system, has invested more than $410,000 to support regional food businesses. It also is partnering with the Blaine County School District to put more local food in school lunches.