it all starts from the ground down.
Our Story
Welcome to Alpine Roots, where innovation meets sustainability. Inspired by the potential of turning waste into well-being, we embarked on a mission to create a sustainable solution for our community.
The Spark of an Idea
It all started at the farmers market when Xavier Pereira struck up a conversation with Jason Geib, a local mushroom grower. Jason shared how his mushroom farming process generated a substantial amount of spent mushroom blocks, which he would send to landfill by the dumpster. This sparked an idea: what if we could transform this waste into something valuable? When combined with leaves, bedding, and manure from the animals on his homestead, all of the necessary ingredients to produce premium compost were available.
From Concept to Reality
Xavier teamed up with Matt Keller, a chemical engineer with a background in dairy farming and a love for gardening. With our combined expertise in engineering, biology, and sustainable practices, we realized we could create something truly special. Thus, Alpine Roots was born.
Our focus is on producing Johnson Su compost, a fungal-dominant compost that can be transformed into an extract and distributed across farms in Colorado's Front Range. This compost acts as a vital inoculant for soils, enhancing fertility and promoting healthy crop growth.
In sum, we are dedicated to transforming waste into high-quality inputs that restore soil health and foster regenerative agriculture in Northern Colorado.
A Vision Beyond Compost
At Alpine Roots, our vision extends far beyond compost production. We aim to create a holistic ecosystem that benefits our community and the environment in numerous ways:
Waste Reduction: By utilizing waste materials from local agriculture, we reduce landfill burden and create valuable compost.
Soil Health: Our compost improves soil quality, leading to healthier crops and sustainable farming practices.
Renewable Energy: As we scale, we aim to invest in renewable energy, and we dream of our own agrivoltaic operation.
Community Outreach: We provide a space for community engagement, education, and outreach, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Xavier Pereira | Co-Founder
Xavier brings 7 years of experience in the energy industry, specializing in distributed generation solutions such as combined heat and power, solar, and battery storage. As a self-taught artist, he is deeply committed to addressing climate change and has played a significant role in Fort Collins' art community. Xavier is also an avid gardener, vermi-composter, and a familiar face at the local farmers market.
Matt Keller | Co-Founder
Matt, a chemical engineer with roots in dairy farming, combines his technical expertise with a lifelong passion for gardening. His background in biology and hands-on experience growing up on a farm give him a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture.
Together, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our environment and community. Join us on our journey to transform waste into a valuable resource and create a sustainable future for all.