Statment of Purpose

"To provide diverse and underserved populations with equitable access to urban farmland and education in sustainable agriculture prioritizing food justice, biodiversity, and climate resilience."

About
Founded in 1997, Rio Grande Community Farm is a land-based 501(c)3 non-profit located on Los Poblanos Fields Open Space in Albuquerque's urban North Valley neighborhood. New Mexico is home to a highly diverse population (diversity index of 61%) where over 20% of residents experience food insecurity.

In response to poverty and food insecurity, Rio Grande Community Farm leases affordable garden rows and 1/8 acre plots of urban farmland while providing irrigation, compost, tools, and education in regenerative farming. No soil is tilled and no artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are allowed. The Farm also provides environmental education to humdreds of underserved children and adults, annually.

A quarter of the 27-acre Farm is dedicated to native wildlife habitat and forage. Each July, the Farm operates Lavender In The Village, a festival internationally recognized for promoting agritourism, and in October, hosts the Maize Maze Fall Festival, an iconic local celebration of New Mexico's unique agricultural heritage.

Impacts
At an operating cost of $575 a day, we acheived the following in 2023:

• Hosted 17,000 attendees at local events celebrating local agriculture
• Provided 100 Community Gardeners with land, irrigation, compost, tools, and support
• Cultivated 38 MicroFarmers on 1/8 acre plots with irrigation and access to our farm equipment
• Served 378 children in Farm Camps and educational programs
• Engaged 480 aspiring growers in classes on sustainable farming
• Coordinated 278 volunteers who gave over 10,000 hours of community service
• Supported 34 university students in research projects
• Returned 6,600 gallons of neighborhood food waste to the soil in the form of compost
• Provided 1,400 bales of hay for small producers
• Mantained 6.75 acres of urban farmland as wildlife habitat and forage for native and migrating species
• Provided a living wage to our staff.

Help us do even more in 2024! Donate today to help us reach our goal of $20,000 by Giving Tuesday!