About Us
Fresh produce delivered to Albuquerque Public Schools
Rio Grande Community Farm is a certified organic farm located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 138-acre Los Poblanos Fields is owned by the City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division. The City acquired the land in 1995 after a two-year campaign to preserve this last remaining parcel of farmland in the North Valley. Recognizing the value to the community of maintaining this agricultural space, the City passed a two-year ¼ cent sales tax to provide funds for its acquisition. RGCF was founded as a non-profit organization in 1997 and undertook management of about 50 acres of Los Poblanos Fields.
Sunflowers from the Southern Fields
The Farm preserves a special link in the history of Albuquerque. It occupies the original site of Los Poblanos, one of the earliest Spanish Colonial settlements in the Rio Grande Valley. It is, in fact, a living link in an agricultural heritage that extends over 1700 years, making it among the oldest parcels of continually farmed land in the United States. Years of hard work have transformed the neglected land into community gardens, wildlife habitat, and certified organic croplands. RGCF now provides fresh produce to Albuquerque Public Schools, local retail outlets and local food banks.
RGCF is an agricultural jewel in the center of our city. Open to all, the Farm provides city dwellers with rural experiences: growing food for their families or for needy members of the community, learning about agriculture and the area’s history and walking the historic acequias. The Farm is a model for teaching methods of sustainable, organic agriculture. One quarter of crops are grown for wildlife, adding the sounds and sights of migratory birds and a wide variety of animals to the beauty of a visit to the Farm.
Minor Morgan during annual Maize Maze
Educational and volunteer programs bring over 1,000 visitors to RGCF each year. The Farm offers activities for all age groups – including Farm tours, classes on agricultural, gardening or wildlife topics and service projects. Scores of people grow their own food in the Community Garden. Thousands explore the annual Maize Maze in September and October – fun for all ages! Thousands more use the Farm for recreation – walking, biking or riding horses along the farm roads.
View an Overview Presentation PDF
