In June 2012, Colorado’s Governor Hickenlooper remarked that “Agriculture led the Colorado out of the recession,” highlighting Colorado’s agriculture as a critical driver of Colorado’s economy. The typical research methodology employed by business schools to better understand industry barriers and opportunities is a supply chain analysis. Already knowing the linear progression of goods through the stages of agricultural production, we needed an innovative research and analysis methodology to reveal industry dynamics, characterize the unexpected connections within the industry, and gain a more holistic perspective of how this industry operates more as a web than a progression. To accomplish this we worked with our College of Agriculture, and Agriculture Economics faculty to develop the Value Chain of Colorado Agriculture. This value chain research and analysis, which has never been done before for the full agriculture industry in Colorado, revealed new unexpected collaborations, new potential research opportunities, a fresh perspective on agriculture from non- agriculture industries, and a broader set of agriculture industry connections. The Value Chain encompassed more diversity than is typical, including 125 separate sub-sectors. This study focused on workforce, agricultural innovation and technologies, building or recruiting agriculture businesses, and identifying the unique branding opportunities in Colorado to reach the global audience and their markets. As a result of the study, government, industry, workforce, and economic development strategies can better leverage existing strengths. This innovative research and analysis creates opportunities for broader, integrated decision making which accelerates the advance of Colorado agriculture in a global economy. Read the Case Study: http://universityeda.org/value-to-members/best-practice-sharing/awards-of-excellence/awards-of-excellence-2013-finalists/the-value-chain-of-colorado-agriculture/

1. The Value Chain of
Colorado Agriculture

3. “…an unprecedented effort to engage
1. Build a Business-friendly Environment
every county in ColoradoCompaniesbest to
2. Recruit, Retain, and Grow on how
improve the state’s economy…”
3. Improve Access to Capital
4. Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
- Gov. John Hickenlooper
5. Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
6. Cultivate Innovation and Technology

6. Engagement
Research
Engagement
Changes the conversation
Generates economic-development impacts

8. Flowchart of
the Value
Chain of
Colorado
Agriculture
Encompasses
more than 200
individual sectors
or NAICS codes.
$0.9
billion
$2.4
billion
$3.0
billion
$4.0
billion
$10.5
billion
$4.8
billion
$27.5 billion
$88
million

21. Engagement
Research
Engagement
Changes the conversation
Generates economic-development impacts

22. 1. Build a Business-friendly Environment
2. Recruit, Retain, and Grow Companies
3. Improve Access to Capital
4. Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
5. Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
6. Cultivate Innovation and Technology

23. 1. Build a Business-friendly Environment
2. Recruit, Retain, and Grow Companies
3. Improve Access to Capital
4. Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
5. Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
6. Cultivate Innovation and Technology

24. Top 25 Colorado assignees of patents
in agricultural and food technologies

25. 1. Build a Business-friendly Environment
2. Recruit, Retain, and Grow Companies
3. Improve Access to Capital
4. Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
5. Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
6. Cultivate Innovation and Technology

26. 1. Build a Business-friendly Environment
2. Recruit, Retain, and Grow Companies
3. Improve Access to Capital
4. Create and Market a Stronger Colorado Brand
5. Educate and Train the Workforce of the Future
6. Cultivate Innovation and Technology

27. Thank You!
Kathay Rennels
Kathay.Rennels@ColoState.edu
970.491.7304
Dr. Gregory Graff
Gregory.Graff@ColoState.edu
970.491.4028
For print copies and further
information:
Jim Beers
Jim.Beers@colostate.edu
970.491.2332
Full report available online at:
http://outreach.colostate.edu
This project was made possible by
support from the Colorado
Department of Agriculture and the
Colorado State University
Office of Engagement.