Lavender farmers from all over the country are gathering here in the valley to talk about the lavender industry. The focus this year is on a variety of products made from lavender essential oils and buds. How farmers can market those products and the growing popularity of lavender oil as an alternative medicine.

"We are highlighting lavender growers in western Colorado and our big news is that we received a specialty crop grant from the U.S.D.A. to help us research the quality of our essential oils," said Kathy Kimbrough who is the Lavender Association of Western Colorado.

The Lavender Association of Western Colorado's grant from the U.S.D.A is more than $18,000. That project which begins April 1st of next year. Will answer the question of which kind of lavender plant produces the most and highest quality oil.