Celebrating Dr. Mike Bartolo's Induction into The Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame

After decades of dedicated service to agricultural science and the communities of the Lower Arkansas River Valley, Dr. Michael Bartolo will be honored with induction into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2025. Palmer Land Conservancy is thrilled to celebrate this recognition of Dr. Bartolo’s enduring legacy. This distinguished award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture, and Dr. Bartolo's impact is truly immeasurable.

"It is an honor to share just a few of the many reasons he deserves such a distinguished award," shared Rebecca Jewett, President & CEO of Palmer Land Conservancy, in a letter to the Hall of Fame nomination committee.

Dr. Bartolo's legacy in Colorado agriculture is interwoven with the beloved Pueblo chile. As the innovator behind the "Mosco" chile, Dr. Bartolo meticulously selected and bred heirloom family seeds over many years, ultimately deriving the modern-day Pueblo chile enjoyed by many Coloradans. "As a longtime CSU Research Scientist and Vegetable Crop Specialist at Colorado State University’s Arkansas Valley Research Center, Mike believes the Pueblo chile is not just a product but part of our culture and heritage," emphasized Rebecca Jewett.

Beyond his contributions to the Pueblo chile, Dr. Bartolo is deeply respected for his generosity and advocacy. He tirelessly offers his expertise to local farmers and researchers across the state, championing agriculture and water protection in the Lower Arkansas Valley. His commitment to these values is evident in his leadership roles, including his dedicated service to Palmer Land Conservancy as a Board Trustee and advisor.

Dr. Bartolo's impact extends beyond research and farming; he played a "critical role in mobilizing farmers and local stakeholders to protect a critical mass of irrigated agricultural land" in Pueblo. This grassroots effort transformed into a significant conservation project, potentially leading to innovative water optimization strategies that will sustain agriculture in eastern Pueblo County.

Recently, Dr Bartolo was featured in an award-winning documentary film, Mirasol, Looking at the Sun, where Mike is a leading voice in this powerful story that challenges us to think about land and water use in the West through an intimate portrait of a rural farming community in Pueblo, Colorado, as they fight to protect their water and land, and in turn, their culture and livelihood.

The nomination letter concludes, "Mike has dedicated his life and career to advancing and protecting agriculture and water across Colorado and ensuring healthy, resilient rural farming communities. His nomination honors all hardworking farmers and families who are the fabric of our rich agricultural tradition in Colorado—today and for future generations."

Join us in celebrating Dr. Bartolo's extraordinary achievements and well-deserved recognition. The Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on February 20, 2025, in Westminster.