SOIL Boulder funds regenerative agriculture and local food
Backpacker's Pantry is proud to support SOIL Boulder through 1% for the Planet. This means that 1% of every single one of our sales is donated to SOIL Boulder and other nonprofit organizations. Check out all our partners here>
Check out our conversation with Caitlin Rose Kenney of SOIL Boulder, as well as an explanation of the organization:
How does SOIL Boulder work?
CRK: SOIL Boulder gives 0% loans to local farmers and entrepreneurs working in local food systems. We have given 34 loans to date since 2018. 0% loans are made possible by tax-deductible member donations and the repayment of loans. Pooling member donations and loan repayments enables a circular microfinance model that funds the next generation of diversified, regenerative farms and the small food enterprises.
Can you tell us why your work is so important?
What sets SOIL Boulder apart?
Can you tell me about any recent big projects/ wins or important upcoming missions or projects?
What is the best way for people to get involved with SOIL?
SOIL Boulder: Regenerating Agriculture and Local Economies with 0% Loans for Farmers and Food Entrepreneurs
In the face of climate change, soil degradation, and an increasingly unsustainable food system, organizations that prioritize regeneration—of both the earth and local economies—are more essential than ever. SOIL Boulder, located in our hometown of Boulder, Colorado, is making significant strides toward sustainable agricultural practices and community resilience.
SOIL Boulder is revolutionizing the way small-scale farmers and food entrepreneurs access capital by offering 0% loans to those working at the intersection of regenerative agriculture and local food production. By focusing on interest-free loans, the organization is not only supporting sustainable food systems, but also creating a circular, regenerative economy that benefits both the planet and the community.
The Problem: Traditional Lending and Barriers for Small Farmers
For small farmers and food entrepreneurs, securing funding for their businesses can often be a major barrier to success. Traditional banks and lenders rarely cater to the specific needs of local, regenerative farms or food startups, often imposing high-interest rates or rigid loan terms that don't align with the cycles of agricultural production. Furthermore, regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices, often requires longer-term investments with slower returns, making it difficult to secure financing through conventional channels.
This is where SOIL Boulder steps in. The organization provides 0% loans to local farmers and food businesses focused on sustainable, regenerative practices, helping them build and grow their enterprises in alignment with both ecological health and community well-being.
A Regenerative Funding Model
The beauty of SOIL Boulder’s approach lies in its innovative and sustainable funding model. When a loan is paid off, the funds are recycled into new loans, ensuring that the capital continues to support future generations of farmers and food innovators. This circular lending model helps create an economy that is self-sustaining, much like the agricultural practices it funds.
In this way, SOIL Boulder does more than just provide financial resources—it cultivates a network of ongoing support and collaboration, enabling businesses to thrive while simultaneously regenerating the land and the local economy. The impact of this model extends far beyond the initial loan cycle, creating a lasting ripple effect throughout the region.
Diagram courtesy of SOIL Boulder
Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture encompasses farming practices that restore and enhance the health of our soils, increase biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. This approach emphasizes practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, holistic livestock management, and composting, all of which work to build soil fertility and resilience in the face of environmental challenges like drought and soil erosion.
SOIL Boulder focuses on supporting farmers who are dedicated to these practices, providing them with the financial backing they need to implement sustainable methods that will ensure long-term agricultural productivity. By funding regenerative agriculture, SOIL Boulder helps foster local food sovereignty—ensuring that communities have access to healthy, locally grown food while also supporting land stewardship.
Empowering Small Food Enterprises
In addition to supporting regenerative farmers, SOIL Boulder also provides financial assistance to small food enterprises that are working to create more sustainable food systems. These food businesses might include local restaurants, food processors, distributors, or value-added food products. These entrepreneurs are committed to sourcing ingredients locally, reducing food waste, and supporting other small-scale food producers in the area.
The 0% loans provided by SOIL Boulder are tailored to the unique needs of these food businesses. Whether they’re looking to purchase equipment, expand production, or implement more sustainable practices, SOIL Boulder’s flexible loan terms make it possible for these enterprises to grow in a way that aligns with their ecological and social values.
By supporting both the producers (farmers) and the businesses (food entrepreneurs) within the local food system, SOIL Boulder is helping to create a more robust, integrated, and sustainable food economy.
Looking to the Future: Regenerative Agriculture for All
The vision for SOIL Boulder extends beyond the immediate impact of its loans. The organization aims to expand its reach, providing even more funding to farmers and food entrepreneurs who are committed to regenerating both the land and the local economy. Through this model, SOIL Boulder is building a future where sustainable agriculture and food enterprises are not the exception, but the norm.
By making sustainable farming and local food businesses financially accessible, SOIL Boulder is playing a key role in transforming the food system into one that is more resilient, equitable, and regenerative.
Get Involved with SOIL Boulder
Whether you’re a farmer in need of funding or a food entrepreneur looking to grow your business sustainably, SOIL Boulder offers the support and resources necessary to succeed. For individuals and businesses interested in learning more about SOIL Boulder’s loan programs or to get involved, visit their website for additional information, application details, and opportunities to contribute.
