Officially launched in January 2024, the Rye Resurgence Project is working to build the market for high-alpine rye (aka ‘Resurgence Rye’) to ensure an adaptive, sustainable future for the San Luis Valley. Resurgence Rye, a versatile grain well-suited to baking, distilling, and brewing, uses a fraction of the water resources required for other grains and improves soil nutrients and topsoil retention as a winter cover crop. The varietals of Resurgence Rye grown in the San Luis Valley are grown using regenerative agricultural practices - from minimal interference to Organic Certified to Regenerative Organic Certified. All Resurgence Rye grown, purchased, and used in craft food and beverage products helps to save the San Luis Aquifers in the Rio Grande River Basin, which have plummeted to their lowest levels in history in recent years. 

A female-led community initiative, the Rye Resurgence Project was founded by San Luis Valley farmer Sarah Jones of Jones Family Organics and Heather Dutton, Manager of the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District. The Project offers options to San Luis Valley farmers - a foundational part of Colorado’s local food economy - to keep farming, save a watershed, prevent a second Dust Bowl, all while earning a living wage AND offering the incredible terroir of high-alpine Resurgence Rye to craft producers.