Advocacy in Action: Protecting Colorado Agriculture and Local Business

At the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, advocacy is more than a buzzword. It is one of the most important ways we serve our members, our agricultural community, and the long-term vitality of Palisade and the surrounding region.

As the Colorado General Assembly legislative session heads into its final day, it is clear this has been a challenging year at the state level. With a strained budget and continued overspending, further cuts are expected, and those decisions will have real implications for businesses of all sizes, from nonprofits and agriculture to hospitality, tourism, and beyond.

Even in that environment, there is work we are proud of.

This legislative session, the Palisade Chamber has worked closely alongside the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and regional partners to advocate for policies that protect Western Colorado businesses, preserve our agricultural heritage, and ensure our economy remains strong and sustainable.

Supporting Senate Bill 26-121: Overtime Threshold for Agricultural Employees

One of the most impactful bills this session for our local growers has been Senate Bill 26-121.

SB26-121 addresses overtime requirements for agricultural employees in Colorado by establishing a uniform overtime threshold of 56 hours per workweek, beginning in January 2027, after amendments lowered the original 60-hour threshold proposed in the bill. Current law generally requires overtime after 48 hours, with some allowances for highly seasonal operations during designated peak weeks.

For many in agriculture, this bill reflects the realities of farming and harvesting in Colorado.

Unlike many industries, agriculture is dictated by weather, harvest windows, and the urgent nature of seasonal labor. Crops cannot wait, and in communities like Palisade where peaches, vineyards, and produce drive our local economy, timing is everything.

Over the past year, growers have shared concerns that current overtime regulations have unintentionally led to:

• Reduced employee hours to avoid overtime costs
• Workers taking home smaller paychecks due to capped schedules
• Increased financial pressure on small and family-owned farms
• A shift toward less labor-intensive crops or operational downsizing

Our Chamber has heard directly from local growers who say that while the intent of overtime reform was to support workers, the outcome has often been fewer available hours and reduced earning opportunities during critical harvest periods.

SB26-121 seeks to create a more balanced approach by allowing employees to work longer hours during key agricultural windows while maintaining overtime protections beyond that threshold.

We believe agricultural policy should support both employers and employees, ensuring workers can earn meaningful wages while farms remain operational and competitive.

Fighting for Local Agriculture Beyond SB26-121

This year, we also helped bring attention to another issue directly impacting Palisade growers: counterfeit agricultural products.

The Palisade Chamber supported House Bill 26-1031, legislation aimed at addressing the growing issue of counterfeit agricultural products being sold at roadside stands and farmers markets, undercutting local growers during their already short and critical season.

For communities like Palisade, where the peach brand is nationally recognized, protecting authenticity matters.

When consumers purchase products labeled as “Palisade peaches” or locally grown produce that are not truly from our farms, it hurts growers, damages trust, and weakens one of our region’s strongest economic drivers.

Advocacy at the National Level

Our advocacy work does not stop in Colorado.

The Palisade Chamber has also engaged nationally on issues that matter to Western Colorado businesses and agriculture, including:

• Water protections and funding, which are critical to the future of Western Colorado agriculture
• Right to Repair legislation, ensuring farmers, mechanics, and shop owners have access to the tools and resources needed to maintain essential equipment
• Federal agricultural and tourism-related funding opportunities

These conversations are critical to the future of our region and our economy.

Local Advocacy Matters Most

While state and federal policies matter, the truth is that the most immediate impact often happens right here at home.

Local decisions shape how businesses operate every day.

In a small community like Palisade, advocacy can be especially complex. The people making these decisions are often our friends, neighbors, and fellow community members who care deeply about Palisade, just as we do.

That can make advocacy difficult.

It is not always easy to disagree or clearly communicate business needs when perspectives differ on what a strong, balanced local economy looks like.

But that is exactly why this work matters.

It is critical that we continue to engage thoughtfully and respectfully, bringing forward real business impacts and advocating for a holistic approach that supports residents, businesses, and the long-term vitality of our community.

Thank You for Engaging

Advocacy is strongest when it is backed by real stories, real data, and an engaged community.

Together, we can protect our businesses, preserve our agricultural heritage, and strengthen our community for generations to come.