Last Updated on August 13, 2026 by higherring
What does it take to build a stronger U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain?
For ZEGO founder and CEO Colleen Kavanagh, the answer goes far beyond making food. It means investing in the infrastructure, processing capacity, and partnerships needed to support farmers, strengthen domestic agriculture, and help more people access high-quality grains they can trust.
Colleen recently shared this vision on Brands for a Better World in an episode titled “Expanding Capacity with Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of Zego Foods.” The conversation explores how a $3 million USDA grant, Montana grain processing, and ZEGO’s commitment to Purity Verified sourcing are helping strengthen the U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain while supporting a more resilient food system.
Why ZEGO Invested in Processing
ZEGO expanded into grain processing through its sister company, CIVC Montana, to help address one of the most important challenges in the gluten-free supply chain: increasing domestic processing capacity.
Building stronger processing infrastructure creates deeper connections between farmers, processors, and food brands. It also helps expand access to high-quality gluten-free grains grown and processed in the United States.
For ZEGO, investing in infrastructure isn’t just about solving today’s challenges. It’s about building long-term capacity that can support farmers, brands, and consumers for years to come.
The $3 Million USDA Grant
A key part of this effort is a $3 million USDA grant supporting the expansion of grain processing capacity in Montana.
The investment helps strengthen domestic infrastructure for gluten-free grains while creating new opportunities throughout the supply chain. By increasing processing capacity closer to where crops are grown, the initiative supports a more connected and resilient system for farmers, manufacturers, and food brands alike.
For ZEGO, expanding infrastructure is about more than processing. It’s about helping create a stronger foundation for the future of American food production.
Why Montana Matters
Montana plays an important role in U.S. grain production, including gluten-free oats. Expanding processing capacity near growing regions helps strengthen relationships across the supply chain while supporting domestic sourcing and agricultural communities.
Working more closely with growers also creates opportunities to better understand the realities farmers face and to develop solutions that benefit the entire food system. By investing where grains are grown, ZEGO is helping support a more transparent and connected supply chain from farm to finished product.
Supporting the Future of Food
As ZEGO expands its work upstream, Purity Verified sourcing remains central to the company’s approach.
ZEGO believes transparency builds trust. The goal is to create greater visibility from ingredients to finished products while helping food brands access high-quality, tested ingredients with confidence.
ZEGO also sees opportunities to support farmers exploring regenerative practices and to better understand how those practices can contribute to more resilient agricultural systems and stronger domestic supply chains.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Colleen’s conversation on Brands for a Better World offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening beyond the products consumers see on store shelves.
It’s an inside look at why ZEGO chose to invest in processing infrastructure and how that investment can help strengthen transparency, domestic sourcing, and long-term food system resilience.
About Brands for a Better World
Brands for a Better World is a podcast from Modern Species featuring founders and leaders working toward a more just, healthy, and regenerative future.
Formerly known as Evolve CPG, the podcast explores how purpose-driven businesses are addressing challenges across food, agriculture, sustainability, and the broader consumer packaged goods industry.
We’re grateful to Gage Mitchell and the Modern Species team for creating space for conversations about the partnerships, investments, and systems-level solutions needed to build a healthier, more transparent food future. Because the future of food isn’t built by one company alone. It grows through collaboration across the entire supply chain, from farmers and processors to brands and consumers.