“We call them WIGS, or wildly important goals,” Greenberg said at a symposium in the fall that focused on her department’s priorities. A central one is supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Meza was one of the speakers at “The Next Generation of Ag” event. The 32-year-old represents that new crop of farmers and ranchers that Greenberg is trying to encourage as she strives to ensure that agriculture remains one of Colorado’s primary economic drivers. Agriculture contributes about $40 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Support from the state Department of Agriculture through its Colorado Proud Program, which promotes Colorado-grown products, has been important, said Meza and his partner, 33-year-old Demerling. The two, who’ve known each other since high school in North Canton, Ohio, officially launched Emerald Gardens Microgreens in 2017.
