Local Food Blog : Mid-Region Council of Governments

Looking for 40+ Acres to Grow Alfalfa and Wheat in Belen Area

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:48:12 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 176

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87121

Type of opportunity sought: I currently do NOT have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm. I am a new farmer and would like technical assistance from a more experienced farmer.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time, as a hobby, or as a part-time job.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, vineyard, poultry/fowl, goats/sheep, cattle (beef and dairy).

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic.

Background in farming: I have some agriculture-related experience, but am interested in learning more.

Education/Training: General farming (3 years or less).

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/sell or crop-share.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: Very simply I am looking for good land with irrigation rights, wells, and fertile soil in the Belen area. 40+ Acres. If it already has established trees great if not that is ok too. I would like to farm alfalfa and wheat - any assistance in this area would be great.

Listing Date: May 21, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

Book Release: The Home Farming Revolution

Thu, 03 May 2012 19:34:52 +0000

Surprisingly enough, The Home Farming Revolution for Drylands, recently released by Zoe Wilcox and Melanie Rubin, had its origins at a MRCOG gathering. In March 2009, MRCOG held its monthly Agricultural Collaborative meeting. Zoe was in attendance, hoping to advertise the season’s classes for her demonstration home farm, Mother Nature Gardens. Melanie, a business/marketing coach, writer, and trainer, was also there – hoping to get ideas about how she could learn and then teach others to grow healthy food at home. When Zoe introduced herself to the group, Melanie realized Zoe had the expertise she was looking for. During a meeting soon afterwards, Zoe discovered Melanie could help with her workshop organization and marketing. The two became partners.

Zoe and Melanie launched a series of workshops together under the banner of “Albuquerque Backyard Farms,” first at Melanie’s Nob Hill residence, and later at locations around the city. Over the next three summers, the two designed and delivered dozens of workshops in collaboration with local experts. They used Melanie and her home as a public experiment in how to transform unused land into a micro-farm and a “city slicker” into an urban farmer. “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Melanie said.

From the beginning, the two envisioned a book that would develop out of the workshop series to provide a step-by-step transformation process for a broad, beginner-based audience. In fact, reading their book feels much like attending a series of interactive workshops. It can help you convert any plot of land into a micro-farm. Zoe’s expert content, from Permaculture design concepts to irrigation systems to how to handle a chicken, is made approachable by boxed stories of Melanie’s “beginner experiences” with exercises that will help you apply these ideas to your particular situation.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

The benefits of creating home farms in our towns and cities are as plentiful as the bounty they produce. We need healthy food in order to be healthy! Our country faces a growing number of health concerns ranging from degenerative illnesses, … to mental and emotional conditions. These illnesses are often catalyzed or exaggerated by poor nutrition in this, the ‘wealthiest nation in the world.’

…We believe a person shouldn’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy! Home farming provides healthy, organic food at peak freshness to all people despite economic status or location. Many unused plots of land in the city, suburbs, and country are just waiting to be used to grow produce. If we coordinate efforts, there can be land for everyone to farm, whether or not each person owns a home, or has a yard of his or her own.

The book is divided into four sections that present the step-by-step process for transforming a yard into a micro-farm:

Section One outlines the design process. It teaches you how to create your farm design in three steps:

1. Connect with your land by studying what already exists. You will look at how watershed, sun, wind, noise, buildings, trees, and existing soil affect your land. This is a “get-to-know-you” process imperative in a smart design.

2. Consider what you want to include in your home farm. Here you will define your personal needs as well as what you want to include in your home farm.

3. Blend what’s already there with what you want to add in a functional and harmonious design using several design principles and techniques. This step teaches you how to place the desired elements you dreamed up in Step Two for maximum production and efficiency.

Section Two discusses outdoor living spaces, rainwater harvesting systems, and irrigation systems. These things are the structural part of the plan that creates the skeleton that supports the living garden. Once human spaces are identified and water has been planned for, it’s time for the green stuff.

Section Three discusses food forests, building soil for veggie gardens, and how and when to plant them.

Section Four diversifies and interconnects your food production with information on raising chickens and taking care of honeybees.

The book released May 5th and is available for purchase at local retailer, Bookworks, and online.

Please visit www.homefarmingrevolution.com for the latest news, including future book signing dates. To contact Zoe and
Melanie, please email info@homefarmingrevolution.com.

The August Agriculture Collaborative meeting will host Zoe and Melanie as speakers. Look for the meeting reminder coming soon for details!

Graduating Student Looking for Land in ABQ to Create Food Forests

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:31:45 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 175

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87110

Type of opportunity sought: I currently have a small amount of farmland to use, but I am looking for more.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, and/or poultry/fowl.

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic, biodynamic, and/or permaculture.

Background in farming: I have some agriculture-related experience.

Education/Training: Informal apprenticeship, general farming (more than 3 years), Permaculture Design Certificate, general college degree.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/sell, rent, crop-share, and/or partnership.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: I am interested in using any space that is available in the Albuquerque area. Properties that are less than an acre in size are ideal. I plan to utilize my permaculture design skills (PC certificate granted by the University of New Mexico) to create a biodynamic garden for whatever land is available. If I was given permission to use an old dirt parking lot with soil problems, I would change that old dirt into healthy soil by building the area up so that it is full of organic matter. This is an example of what I am willing to work with; it really doesn't matter, I just want to help turn vacant land open space into food forests, and increase the organic food availability to the community.

I am ready to do my part in this world to help combat current agricultural issues by increasing the availability of local organic food with the assistance of land link. I currently produce food using my 1/16 acre back yard as well as other similar backyards in my neighborhood. I would like to expand this idea of backyard farming using whatever land is available in close proximity. I will be attending a newly organized farmers market going to be held at the University of New Mexico Hospital plaza this summer and plan to attend these kinds of events in the community often to share food and ideas on establishing food security. Along with my own crops I will also be selling food produced by a farmer from Northern NM who grows heirloom tomatoes, alfalfa, and apples. I will be graduating from the University of New Mexico in the fall of this year with a B.A. in American Studies and a minor in Sustainability with a focus on agriculture. This being said, I am interested in going to work on this project starting fall 2012/spring 2013. I really would like to meet someone who is willing to lend their vacant property to help set precedence here in ABQ by establishing a secure food shed. Thank you for this opportunity hope to hear something soon.

Listing Date: May 3, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

New CSA: Sol Harvest Farms

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:35:34 +0000

Sol Harvest Farms in the North Valley is offering a CSA subscription for a weekly harvest box of produce from the farm. Each harvest box will feature 7-9 seasonal items. Pick-up starts May 2nd and continues each Wednesday from 1-7pm at the Farm Stand (8917 4th Street NW, north of Paseo del Norte). Space is limited, so sign up today! CLICK HERE to download the sign up form.

The Farm Stand is open to the public and will feature fresh, seasonal produce harvested that morning! Farm Stand hours are same as CSA pick-up, every Wednesday from 1 - 7pm. Sol Harvest farmer, Ric Murphy says, "It's a great way for people to literally see where their food is coming from, and meet the farmer who grew it! It's like a Farmers Market...with an actual farm attached to it."

Questions? Contact Farmer Ric Murphy at 505-306-1998 or ricmurphy@yahoo.com.

Experienced Farmer Raising Dairy Goats and More Looking for Land to Expand Operation

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:36:04 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 174

County: Torrance

Zip code: 87035

Type of opportunity sought: I currently have farmland, but I am looking for more land to expand my operation.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, poultry/fowl, goats/sheep (mainly interested in dairy goats).

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic, biodynamic, and/or permaculture.

Background in farming: I am an experienced farmer or rancher.

Education/Training: General farming (more than 3 years). I currently raise dairy goats, along with poultry and sheep and a small garden.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/sell or partnership.

Stated interest in on-site housing: Only interested in opportunities with housing.

Other Information: We are a homestead and have been working towards our current position for the last 11+ years, along with raising 3 daughters and homeschooling them. We currently raise, dairy goats, meat rabbits, heritage sheep, heritage chickens, and heritage turkeys. We have a small herb bed, and several garden areas, and fruit trees. We are a firm believer that everyone should grow some of their own food, and know where the rest of their food comes from. We also believe that growing food should only be done while working in conjunction with nature, only using what nature provides. We strive to utilize everything that is provided to us from the animals and plants in a way that benefits all that are around us. Examples would be weaving, fly tying, soap making, leather crafting, lotion making, herbal tinctures, etc.. We believe in mentoring and learning from others in this lifestyle so that they can pass on and share with everyone successes and failures. This is not a job to us, but a lifestyle that we constantly strive to learn more about and teach others at the same time.

Listing Date: April 25, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

USDA Releases Food Hub Resource Guide

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:40:51 +0000

Article via National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

April 24th, 2012

Last Friday, April 20th, Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the launch of USDA’s online food hub resource guide. Food hubs, which can concentrate multiple producers’ processing, distribution, and marketing efforts at a single site, attract local consumers and allow smaller-sized farms to compete in larger markets. The new guide acts a resource for small and mid-sized farm operators seeking to expand their market opportunities through a variety of means.

“The Regional Food Hub Resource Guide is an important tool to help promote local and regional efforts to support small and medium sized producers,” noted Merrigan. “Food hubs play a critical role in developing stronger supply chains and addressing the infrastructure challenges while supporting food access, regional economic development, and job creation.”

The guide explains how producers can develop and participate in food hubs, as well as acquire funding. Interested parties can use the tool to determine how this funding can expand regional economies and to locate food hubs in their area.

“The new guide is the most comprehensive handbook on food hubs ever available,” said Merrigan. “Now farmers, buyers, researchers, consumers, or anyone interested in creating a food hub in their community can tap into a single resource to find the information that they need.”

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), in conjunction with the Wallace Center at Winrock International, the National Good Food Network, the National Association of Produce Market Managers, and the Project for Public Spaces, developed the resource as part of the National Food Hub Collaboration. The resource is part of USDA’s larger Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) initiative and can be found on the KYF Compass, a digital guide to USDA resources related to local and regional food systems.

URL: http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/usda-food-hub-resource-guide/

'Spring Fling in the Trees' Open House (5/19 - Los Lunas)

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:07:36 +0000

You are invited to see this unique collection of native high desert trees during our annual ‘Spring Fling in the Trees’ open house. After 25 years the Arboretum is known worldwide for it’s collection of Oaks and the remediation of the saline sodic alkaline clay of the site that exemplifies sustainable biological management of soil using techniques that meet the benchmark of organic.

Bring your sack lunch and enjoy the shade of Fruit trees, Redwoods, Maples & Oaks

Lectures at 10 am on soil building, landscape design and how to successfully plant trees. In the afternoon enjoy live music by Mike Montiel

WHEN: May 19th, 9:30am-4:00pm

WHERE: The Arboretum Tomé, 9 Gilcrease Road, Los Lunas

Visit our Website and Blog for more information and directions: www.treesthatpleasenursery.com & www.treesthatpleasenurseryblog.com

Call: Trees That Please Nursery at (505) 866-5027
Email: treesthatplease@comcast.net

Less Than One Acre Available for Lease in Corrales

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:02:30 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 141

County: Sandoval

Vision/Details: I currently own farmland and wish to lease it to a farmer. I've owned the property for 2 years, and I live on-site.

Land-Use History: The land was previously was used as a horse corral (6 years ago or more).

Soil & Water: The soil is very sandy, and I have a well.

Desired Farming Practices: Open to discussion.

Housing: Not available.

Acreage: Less than one acre.

Equipment: None.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

No Kid Hungry – Seeking Youth Ambassadors

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:24:45 +0000

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Despite being in the world’s wealthiest nation, more than 16 million children in America cannot count on having enough nutritious food. That’s one in five kids in America today who struggle with hunger. Yet at Share Our Strength®, we see a future in which no child in America grows up hungry.

Through the No Kid Hungry® Campaign—a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015—Share Our Strength is working with governors, mayors and state, community, faith and private sector leaders across the country to connect families at risk of hunger with the programs that can help them. Our focus is on long-term change, the difference between just feeding a child today and making sure that children in the United States never go hungry again.

Share Our Strength is taking on childhood hunger through our state strategy: launching state and city-based No Kid Hungry campaigns across the U.S. Each campaign is dedicated to ending childhood hunger in its specific geographic area by building private-public partnerships with local anti-hunger groups, government agencies, corporate partners, and key political, education and business leaders. These partnerships focus on increasing participation in federal nutrition programs which, in turn, unleashes millions of federal dollars to connect kids who are at risk of hunger to the food they need to succeed.

While No Kid Hungry campaign plans are unique to every location, each plan includes the following fundamental objectives:

• Provide all kids with a healthy breakfast;

• Improve access to after school meal programs

• Encourage healthy food choices;

• Help eligible families access food stamps;

• Improve access to summer meals programs; and

• Ensure access to balanced, nutritious diets for all pregnant women and preschool children.

Through the support of Sodexo Foundation, Share Our Strength has created a program to involve college-aged Youth Ambassadors in the fight against childhood hunger by working with one of our state No Kid Hungry partners. 10 Ambassadors will be placed in 3-5 state partner locations: Little Rock, AR; Hartford, CT; Baltimore, MD; and Albuquerque and Las Cruces, NM.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Youth Ambassadors will be responsible for:

• Work on a collaborative project along with State Partner organization and fellow Youth Ambassador(s) that would help increase number of children getting access to healthy meals in the community (50-60%)

• Other tasks that will help the state partner work towards their goal to help end childhood hunger as needed and assigned (20%)

• Activities to help with media outreach, i.e. blogging, organizing a press event, etc. (10- 20%)

Youth Ambassadors will concentrate on summer meals outreach, including:

• Promote summer meals and advertise the Summer Challenge increase awareness of summer meal sites

• Work with sponsors to have children at sites create and submit Summer Challenge videos to National Dairy Council for state-level contest

• Work with sponsors to utilize the ReCharge kit (developed by Action for Healthy Kids) at various summer meal sites, to provide fun activities for children focused on nutrition and physical activity

• Write blog posts and press releases for submission to local and national blogs and media

QUALIFICATIONS:

Share Our Strength seeks enthusiastic college students to join the pilot program as Youth Ambassadors.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A great attitude and willingness to work on all kinds of projects

• Some volunteer experience

• Interest in hunger issues

• Commitment to working with diverse communities

• Reliability, responsibility, and a good work ethic

• Good customer service and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently

Daily access to a car and use of personal laptop and mobile phone required.

Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates preferred.

Youth Ambassadors will receive a stipend of no more than $1500 plus a potential bonus of $500, as well as a stipend for expenses (gas, parking, mobile phone, etc.). At least 30 hours of work per week required for 8-10 weeks.

Youth Ambassadors will report to a national Share Our Strength consultant and a local staff member. Ambassadors will participate in weekly conference calls, complete a weekly report, and attend training sessions prior to the start of work. Youth Ambassadors are also asked to plan and organize events on their campus throughout the academic year; therefore, rising college juniors and sophomores are preferred.

Interested applicants should apply online at http://strength.org/ambassadors by Monday, April 16.

.4 Acres with Ditch Irrigation Available in ABQ North Valley

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:42:49 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 140

County: Bernalillo

Vision/Details: We currently own farmland and wish to lease it to a farmer. We would like to find someone interested in planting this land and maintaining it.

Land-Use History: The land is currently overgrown with weeds and clover planted 2 years ago. We have 8 dwarf apple/pear/cherry trees on east boundary, as well as several beehives between the land and our home which is in front (south).

Soil & Water: The soil is rich, fertile, and irrigable. The ditch is adjacent and easy to irrigate from.

Desired Farming Practices: We would like to have the land farmed organically if possible. Would like tillage to deal with weeds.

Housing: Not available.

Acreage: About .4 acres available. There is a small strip w/ 8 dwarf fruit trees on east edge.

Equipment: No actual machinery. Regular tools available.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

Preparations Underway for Second Annual Food Day (Oct. 24, 2012)

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:51:47 +0000

WASHINGTON—Food movement leaders are gearing up for the second annual Food Day, the nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food. More than 2,300 events in all 50 states took place on the first Food Day, and organizers intend for Food Day 2012 to represent an even bigger grassroots campaign for improved food policies. Food Day is October 24 every year.

Food Day brings together organizations and individuals working on food issues as varied as hunger, nutrition, agriculture policy, animal welfare, and farmworker justice. Some 2011 Food Day events were large in scale, such as a big festival in Savannah, GA, and a Times Square Eat In, attended by celebrities, chefs, and prominent food activists.

Next year, Food Day will take place just 12 days before the 2012 elections, and organizers expect that it will provide an opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard, and for candidates to discuss, important food policy issues. (Food Day, like the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nonprofit group that is spearheading the event, does not take sides in campaigns or otherwise engage in electioneering.)

Last year, elected officials used Food Day to launch new food policies, highlight locally grown produce, or issue proclamations. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick promoted gleaning on farms with the state's Agriculture department, while Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston used Food Day to deliver a "State of the Food Union" address. In Maine, Rep. Chellie Pingree announced a new bill to assist small and mid-sized farms, while in Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Food Policy Council coordinated healthy cooking demonstrations, film screenings and other events. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg handed out apples to commuters and appeared on ABC's The Chew on Food Day.

"Food should be healthy, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, animals, and the women and men who grow, harvest, and serve it," said Food Day founder and CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. "But too often, our policies fall short of that ideal. Food Day aspires to celebrate our food system when it works, and fix it when it's broken."

Food Day's 2012 advisory board includes author Michael Pollan; prominent physicians Caldwell Esselstyn, Michael Roizen, and David Satcher; nutrition authorities Walter Willett, Kelly Brownell, and Marion Nestle; actor Jane Fonda; filmmaker Morgan Spurlock; Rodale, Inc. CEO Maria Rodale and Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn; chefs such as chefs Dan Barber, Nora Pouillon, and Alice Waters; and cookbook author and Food Network host Ellie Krieger.

The Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), American Public Health Association, Community Food Security Coalition, Earth Day Network, Farmers Market Coalition, Humane Society of the United States, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Prevention Institute, and Slow Food USA all participate in Food Day, as do many city, county, and state health or agriculture departments.

"Food Day helped us to create a roadmap towards better policies and health interventions and the foundation we established was very powerful," said Alexa Delwiche, coordinator of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. "I am very excited about the future. We saw what can happen with a small amount of planning and momentum."

"With Food Day, Arizona's public health system was able to build momentum with the initiatives we have been promoting for a long time," said Adrienne Udarbe, community programs manager for the Arizona Department of Health Services. "The food choices we make can have unintentional consequences that influence poor health leading to things such as chronic disease and environmental degradation. Food Day is a great opportunity for Americans to enjoy real, whole foods as opposed to packaged and heavily processed foods. Americans are craving change in our homes, our schools, on our farms, and in our communities."

Food Day will reach millions of Americans through events on college campuses, schools, houses of worship, and even restaurants. But Food Day can also be celebrated by simple, solitary acts of personal responsibility, such as stopping\ drinking soda or other sugar-based drinks, or forgoing fast-food in favor of a healthy, brown-bag lunch. Organizers welcome restaurants, manufacturers, growers, and other food companies to consider using Food Day to announce changes that benefit the health of consumers, employees, farm animals, or the environment.

More Information:

Jeff Cronin, 202-777-8370

Clare Politano, 202-777-8316

Interested in Internship/Mentorship/Collaboration

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:02:35 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 173

County: San Miguel

Zip code: 87701

Type of opportunity sought: I currently do NOT have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm. I am also looking for an internship or mentorship position with an existing farmer. This could be through any type of exchange, whether paid, internship, collaboration on sustainability-oriented projects, etc.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time, as a hobby, and/or or as a part-time job.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, poultry/fowl, and grains.

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic and permaculture.

Background in farming: I have limited farming experience but am interested in learning more. I have a permaculture design certificate and am familiar with farming through internships over a couple seasons.

Education/Training: Informal apprenticeship, general farming (3 years or less), and general college degree.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/sell, rent, crop-share, partnership, internship, or any sort of exchange/collaboration.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: I have strong office skills so would be a valuable asset in that capacity. Modest hands-on experience in growing and building work but high aptitude for them. Recent work in solar hot water/plumbing/heating.

Listing Date: April 10, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

SouthWest Organizing Project Seeks Project Manager Contract Position

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:12:49 +0000

POSITION: Project Manager to develop local urban gardening earned income project

CONTRACT DURATION: 10 months

REPORTS TO: Co-Director of Operations

START DATE: May 1^st

CONTRACT RATE: $20,000-$25,000 minimum 25 hours a week

The SouthWest Organizing Project was founded in 1980 with a mission to empower our communities in the southwest to realize racial and gender equality and social and economic justice. Our work is built on a foundation of direct community organizing—building personal and political relationships in the community, developing leadership, and taking action. We are a statewide community based organization and work throughout New Mexico in working class communities of color.

PROJECT SUMMARY: In 2010 SWOP launched a food justice campaign entitled, Project Feed the Hood. Now in our third year, our next phase includes an earned income component through which we further the objectives of project. We’ve developed an initial earned income business plan for intensive farming of a variety of vegetables at two Albuquerque “micro farm” locations that are then marketed through existing local food channels. A ¼ of an acre is being prepared at our Riverside location in the South Valley and ½ an acre at our North Valley location. We are currently in the initial stages of implementation. The Project Manager will be tasked with further developing the business plan of the project, ensuring effective daily operations, managing staff and working with SWOP staff to assure objectives are met.

JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

Develop a 3 year business plan
- Design crop cycling and growing plan plan for both sites
- Develop farm infrastructure (example: building of hoop houses in the fall, researching Aqua-Ponics system plan)
- Develop a 3 year income and expense budget that is supported by market analysis
Manage daily operations of sites
Work with Co-Directors to hire other contract positions
Manage staff once hired
Implement farm plans at two farm locations: Riverside in the South Valley and Gallegos in the North Valley
Ensure that production quotas are being met and the project is running as cost-effectively as possible
Manage equipment and supplies
Create Monthly reports to the Co-Director of Operations
Create Quarterly reports to the SWOP Leadership Team
Work with Project Feed the Hood staff to understand
vision for the project and explore potentials for interconnection with
community work
Work with SWOP Co-Directors to hire a contract position to market and sale products
Work with marketing contractor to create and execute a marketing plan
Maintain a Project Feed the Hood presence at farmers markets
Work to connect earned income project with Project Feed the Hood overall campaign
Ensure proper marketing and sale of products

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum two years experience in a farm/garden related area
Experience with business plan development and execution
Experience in program development and execution
Skill set in accounting or bookkeeping, and ability to work related software
Community or worker organizing experience a plus
Superior professional manner & networking abilities
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
Computer literacy: word processing, internet navigation, and other work-related applications
Knowledge of and commitment to social justice work and SWOP mission
Relationships with resources in the community connecting to farming and selling of crops
Must be able to work a flexible schedule

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Accepting applications until April 16, 2012. Only those offered interviews will be contacted.

To Apply: Please mail, fax, or email the following documents to SWOP, Attn: Bineshi Albert.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to clearly reference job title “Project Manager” in all correspondence with SWOP. Interviewees will be expected to clearly articulate ideas on how to execute this contract.

1) Résumé

2) Cover letter

3) References

Send materials to: bineshi@swop.net

Bineshi Albert

SouthWest Organizing Project

211 10^th St. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-247-8832 (p)

505-247-9972 (f)

5+ Acres + House For Sale By Owner in Velarde, NM

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:23:18 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 139

County: Rio Arriba

Vision/Details: I currently own farmland in Velarde, NM and wish to sell (or perhaps lease it) to a farmer. I have 5+ acres of irrigated land, as well as a 1500 square/foot cinder block house (1958), and a 600 square/foot detached garage available. The western side of the property borders the Rio Grande with waterfront access.

The property is for sale by owner and is currently listed at $466,000. Owner financing may be available. A long-term lease may also be possible.

Land: The 5+ acres are broken down as follows:

-2.3 acres of 12 different varieties of fruit trees
-1.5 acres of cleared land for large garden
-1.2 acres of land for pasture for animals

Water: Access to city water, Los García acequia ditch system for irrigation, and private well on property.

Housing: 1500 square/foot cinder block house built in 1958.

Includes:
-2 large bedrooms
-full bathroom
-large utility room
-parlor/office
-kitchen/dining room combination with views of orchard on eastern side of property
-spacious living room with fireplace and views of orchard
-hardwood floors

Note: House needs work. If owner upgrades bathroom, kitchen, floors, heating system, septic tank, etc., then price will go up.

Garage: 600 square/foot detached garage that can be used for implement storage (double garage door).

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

Experienced Farmer Looking for Property in Taos/Arroyo Seco Area

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:04:54 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 172

County: San Francisco

Zip code: 94117

Type of opportunity sought: I currently do NOT have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, poultry/fowl, goats/sheep, cattle (beef).

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic.

Background in farming: I am an experienced farmer or rancher.

Education/Training: Formal apprenticeship, farm/crop management (3 years or less), general farming (more than 3 years), and general college degree.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/Sell and/or rent.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: I am interested in moving back to NM and farming, and ideally I would like to find property in the Taos/Arroyo Seco area.

Listing Date: April 9, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

Taos Agricultural Property (with private springs) + 4 BR House Available For Long-Term Lease

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:49:46 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 138

County: Taos

Vision/Details: I currently own farmland and wish to lease it to a farmer. I have 3.23 lush acres with private springs (3.18 acre/feet annual flow) for year-round unrestricted water use. This farm/agricultural property has been a certified organic nursery since 2002 (greenhouses, herbs) and small farm for many years. It is completely fenced and gated, perfect for horses, nursery or farming. Lots of garden space, too - grow for the area farmers markets!!

The property is close to everything, yet in a gorgeous pastoral county neighborhood (no lots less than 3 acres all around).

With the property comes a very nice, very clean and well-kept 4br/2ba allergen-free home (no indoor pets, no smoking, no perfumes, no shoes worn in house, all natural cleaners, 100% outgassed). Two phone lines into house, DSL, 150' private well, and town sewer.

House + property available for long-term lease - $1400/month. More info about this property can be found HERE .

Land-Use History: Fallow currently. Was pasture (horses/goats), organic nursery, and market gardens.

Soil & Water: Rich loam soil. Land has an agricultural pond that is spring-fed, with an annual flow of 3.18 acre/feet.

Desired Farming Practices: Sustainable/organic.

Housing: 4 bedroom/2 bath house.

Acreage: 3.23 acres.

Equipment: None.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

4th Annual UNM Sustainability Expo and LOBO Grower’s Market

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:52:17 +0000

Be local, be Lobo.

Come celebrate Earth Day at the University of New Mexico’s 4^th Annual Sustainability Expo and LOBO Growers' Market! This event will be held on Cornell Mall (just east of the Student Union Building) on Thursday, April 19^thfrom 10 am to 2 pm.

The LOBO Growers’ Market will feature numerous local growers, value-added producers, prepared foods vendors, as well as arts and crafts. The market is organized by UNM students in the Sustainability Studies Program Growers’ Market Practicum class who are passionate about promoting local farming and small business, and educating campus and community members about sustainable agriculture and healthy food choices.

The Growers’ Market will be a great opportunity to pick up your weekly produce, get a delicious lunch, choose some plants for your backyard garden, or simply enjoy the fun, energetic atmosphere and learn about sustainability. There will be something for everyone. Bring your reusable shopping bags, and don’t forget your cash!

In addition to the Growers’ Market, the Expo will include an Alternative Transportation Fair and a variety of sustainability displays and activities. We invite everyone to join in the Earth Day-inspired festivities.

For those who are interested in learning more about sustainable food and agriculture in New Mexico, check out the Growers’ Market Practicum class blog, ABQ Stew: New Mexico’s Food for Thought. During the weeks leading up to the market event, students will post interviews of local foodshed heroes, describe successful New Mexico-based food businesses, discuss agricultural challenges the state faces (and potential solutions), and provide ‘how-to’ guides on various sustainable topics.

AmeriCorps Position at Rio Grande Community Farm (9/1/2012-8/31/2013)

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:33:00 +0000

AmeriCorps POSITION POSTING: Rio Grande Community Farm, Albuquerque, NM

Position Description- AmeriCorps Member Farming Intern update date: 3/22/2012

General Description- the Farming Intern must be at least 18 years old and serves under direct supervision of the Chief Farmer and Farm Manager. Interns will be placed on a sustainable farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Interns will complete field and greenhouse tasks necessary for production of agricultural crops. This position will perform field and labor tasks associated with preparing field areas for crops, starting plants in the greenhouse, planting out starts, tending crops, harvesting and arranging for delivery of crops. The position may involve tractor work and does involve use of hand tools and walk behind tractor equipment. Job involves computer work. The work is difficult physical labor in the outdoors. For the first 2 months of the program applicants will be required to assist in our major annual educational event, the Maize Maze. This involves a variety of tasks related to event management.

Specific duties include:

- planting starts in the early spring for plant out in the fields

- maintaining, pruning, fertilizing starts to maximize growth and health

- detailed record keeping of all activity for organic certification purposes

- preparation of field areas using hand tools and walk behind tractor equipment

- working in close communication with Farmer to coordinate tractor/hand cultivation

- season extension activity such as hoop houses and row covers

- disease and pest prevention techniques

- harvesting of crops, storage and packaging of crops for delivery

- following all NOP and NMOCC organic standards

- irrigating using all systems available: flood; well, gravity and City water drip systems

- repairing and maintaining irrigation ditches

- hand weeding in fields and garden beds using weed whacker and hand tools

- stacking hay bales and organizing barn area including moving fence posts, wire, lumber, etc

Candidates with experience in farming or gardening or who are considering a profession in agriculture are preferred. Candidates must have a strong service ethic and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The AmeriCorps farming intern position is not a job, it is a year of subsidized community service. All positions are for 1 year, with a possible 2^nd year. Interview process includes background check and field work evaluation. AmeriCorps members will receive a living allowance of $465 bi-weekly. Service hours for spring and summer are 7:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. At the successful completion of the year of service (1700 hours) the AmeriCorps member will receive a $5,600 educational credit that can be used to pay for schooling in the future or be used to pay past educational debt. In addition, members will receive a health insurance package at no cost to the member. For more information about AmeriCorps service visit: www.americorps.gov. Start date for the program is 9/1/2012 and ends 8/31/2013. VISTA positions may be available 6/1/2012. Please indicate if you are interested in the VISTA program that starts 6/1/2012. For more information about Rio Grande Community Farm, visit: www.riograndefarm.org.

Folks interested should send a cover letter and resume via email to:

minormorgan@northvalleyorganics.com. Call Minor Morgan at: (505) 379-1640 with questions.

Looking to Learn Through Apprenticeship with ABQ Farmer

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:53:00 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 171

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87102

Type of opportunity sought: I am looking for an internship or mentorship position with an existing farmer. I also currently do not have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, poultry/fowl, cattle (beef), and cattle (dairy).

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: I am interested in learning more about what defines all of them.

Background in farming: I have some agriculture-related experience.

Education/Training: General farming (3 years or less) and general college degree.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Internship, and eventually buy/sell.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: I am seeking an apprenticeship with a local farm. I aspire to have a farm with my husband in the near future. I would like to live at home and commute to a potential mentor. My future farm will heavily emphasize growing peppers, although we would also like to implement diversity with more permaculture attributes. I am a very hard worker from the Midwest, where I spent lots of time on farms with family. I have also worked at a local wholesale greenhouse here in New Mexico. My degrees vary from pre-med to anthropology, but I did take courses in agriculture as well. I am useful with modern technology like computers and the internet. I am willing to learn new things and love the outdoors.

Listing Date: March 26, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

Training for TRANSITION - Making a Difference: Creating A Sustainable World (4/21-22)

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:47:54 +0000

When: April 21-22, 2012

Where: Sara Reynolds Hall on the UNM Campus, 2001 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Two new Initiatives: Transition Albuquerque and Transition UNM are co-sponsoring this upcoming training.

What: Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.“ The converging crises of climate change, oil depletion and economic instability cannot be solved separately or with technology miracles, but by lessening dependence on fossil fuels. But this doesn’t mean a bleak future. The heart of the Transition movement is the belief that by unlocking the collective genius of our communities, we can choose a future that is more just and sustainable. It is up to you and me!

How:

• Explore the opportunities for transcending and transforming the challenges of peak oil, climate change, economic instability, and your own personal addiction to oil

• Learn the key concepts of the Transition model, including permaculture, visioning, setting up Transition groups and getting into action

• Raise awareness of the need to lessen oil dependence

• Learn the psychology of change

• Establish an action plan

• Meet other Transition leaders

Cost:

COMMUNITY MEMBERS pay $125 by March 31st, $175 after April 1st

STUDENTS pay $25 by March 31 st, $35 after April 1st

Register:

Maggie Seeley, (505) 268-3339, maggieseeley44@gmail.com

Jeness May, (505) 400-8023, jenessmay@gmail.com

Make checks payable to: Sustainability Studies Program

Credit card registration: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21597_ustores/web/item_detail.jsp

Spring 2012 School Garden Workshop - How Compost Teaches Math (4/20, 4pm)

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:31:28 +0000

Spring 2012 School Garden Workshop

Brought to you by the Growing Gardens Team

MATH really is GARBAGE! or, shall we say...COMPOST

Come see the amazing composting program that is fully integrated into classroom learning and has a retail component (compost for sale). Meet the teacher who pioneered the program and the students who are in the composting class. Learn HOW they make this happen. You have to see it to believe it!

FRIDAY APRIL 20th, 4pm

Cibola High School

110 Ellison NW

Drive into staff parking lot and continue south between the portables and the school. At stop sign take a left, the greenhouse will be on your left

Light refreshments will be served and GGT will be giving away free seeds.

Lost or have questions: nissapatterson@gmail.com, 259-2074

1/2 Acre with Irrigation for Lease in ABQ North Valley

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:10:30 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 136

County: Bernalillo

Vision/Details: I currently own farmland and wish to lease it to a farmer.

Land-Use History: Grazing, poultry and horse stables.

Soil & Water: I have installed an irrigation pipeline from the MRGCD Ditch, and I also have city water available. THis is Rio Grande Valley land, and in the past I have grown oats, pasture and alfalfa.

Desired Farming Practices: Conventional tillage and/or sustainable.

Housing: Not available.

Acreage: 3/4 acre total, but irrigation is only on 1/2 acre.

Equipment: None.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

11 Acres + Buildings for Sale in El Guique, NM (former Seeds of Change property)

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:45:50 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit theLandLink home page for more information.

Ref. #: 135

County: Rio Arriba

Vision/Details: Phase One Realty, Inc. is currently listing this farm for sale. This farm is the former Seeds of Change (a certified organic farm) and is situated on 14.385 Acres in El Guique, NM. The property includes existing greenhouses, a 5,000 sf processing building with cold storage, and a 4,000 sf conference building that could also be used as a residence. The property could be used for vegetables, hay & forage, grain, fruit trees, vineyard, poultry/fowl, and/or goats/sheep. Currently asking $795,000.

Click here to see the farm flyer.

Soil & Water: Ditch irrigation.

Desired Farming Practices: Sustainable and/or organic.

Housing: 4,000 sf conference building that could also be used as a residence.

Acreage: 11 acres farmland.

*Disclaimer: This land is being listed by a real estate broker.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

4 Acres + House For Sale in ABQ South Valley

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:50:18 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference #: 137

County: Bernalillo

Vision/Details: I currently own farmland and wish to sell it to a farmer. The property is currently in hay & forage, and is used for grazing. I also have a 3,000 sq. ft. MFG home that is 9 yrs. old, with a 2-car garage and large solar room with hot tub. I also have a 4,500 sq. ft. metal building on a cement slab that includes a 5-stall horse barn with runs. The entire property is fenced with pipe and 6' horse wire (cross fenced). 4+ acres. The property is in a gated subdivision, on a private road. Purchaser must obtain own financing. The price is $750,000.

Land-Use History: Grazing/permanent pasture.

Soil & Water: I get irrigation water from Conservancy ditch, and have an irrigation well on the property. There is also a concrete ditch on property. The soil is sandy loam.

Desired Farming Practices: Rotational grazing.

Housing: Housing is available.

Acreage: 4+ acres.

Equipment: I have a small Ford tractor and some equipment.

For more information on the listing, or to be connected with the land owner, please contact us at localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3619.

Aspiring Farmer Looking for Land + Mentorship Near ABQ

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:52:45 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 168

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87104

Type of opportunity sought: I currently do NOT have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm. I am also looking for an internship or mentorship position with an existing farmer.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, herbs, poultry/fowl, goats/sheep, and bees.

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic, biodynamic, and/or permaculture.

Background in farming: I have limited farming experience but am interested in learning more.

Education/Training: Some college.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Buy/sell or lease option to buy/ owner financing.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: My fiance is very skilled with machinery and building things. We're both willing and able to learn the skills needed in order to be successful farmers.

Listing Date: March 14, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

Two Farmers Seeking 1-2 Acres to Grow Veggies, Fruit, and Herbs

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:21:21 +0000

This is a listing for the Central New Mexico LandLink program. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the LandLink home page for more information.

Reference#: 170

County: Bernalillo

Zip code: 87106

Type of opportunity sought: I currently do not have farmland, but I am looking for land to farm.

Specified interest in farming/ranching/animal-raising: I am interested in farming full-time.

Interested in growing/raising: Vegetables, fruit, and herbs.

Interested in these farming/ranching practices: Organic, biodynamic, and/or permaculture.

Background in farming: I have some agriculture-related experience.

Education/Training: Formal apprenticeship, general farming (3 years or less), and general college degree.

Willing to consider the following types of business arrangements: Rent and/or crop-share.

Stated interest in on-site housing: No preference.

Other Information: My business partner and I are seeking 1-2 acres to farm in mixed vegetable and herbs to sell to various markets. We are aspiring young farmers, and are enthusiastic about the prospect of farming as a life style and career. We have learned a lot about agricultural techniques over the last few years through literature, internships and volunteering, backyard gardening, and work experience. We have some experience with common farm equipment, and have light carpentry skills. We are also computer savvy, which will help with record keeping and marketing.

Listing Date: March 14, 2012

Contact: localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov or (505) 724-3619

Kirtland Community Garden Celebration (Planning Session, Demo & Potluck) - 3/10

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:49:18 +0000

COME ONE, COME ALL TO A CELEBRATION OF THE KIRTLAND COMMUNITY GARDEN!

COME JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATION/PLANNING SESSION FOR THE KIRTLAND COMMUNITY GARDEN, AS WELL AS AN EXCITING GARDENING DEMO!

WE NEED YOU TO HELP US CREATE THE VISION!

WHAT WILL WE PLANT?
WHO’S ON THE COMMITTEE?
WHAT WILL THE GARDEN LOOK LIKE?
WHO WILL THE GARDEN SERVE?

WHEN: Saturday March 10 - 11:00am-3:00pm

WHERE: Kirtland Elementary (3530 Gibson SE), P-4

THIS EVENT WILL ALSO FEATURE A POTLUCK! IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE BRING A LUNCH DISH, DRINK, OR DESSERT TO SHARE!

For questions please contact Kendal Chavez by email ( kendal.chavez@foodcorps.org)

Or Katie McGarvey at 505.681.6288

Sponsored by; YFAP, Kirtland Elementary School, and The Kirtland Community Garden Partnership

U-Snip-It or U-Plant-It Living Gourmet Lettuce

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:08:21 +0000

Red Tractor Farm and Rio Valley Greenhouse have collaborated to bring you a local pesticide free source of spring baby lettuce greens.

The greens are a combination over 15 varieties of red and green lettuces including; Red Sails, Rouge De Hiver, Freckles Romaine, Lolla Rossa and Oak leaf, Bibb, Mustard, Sorrel, Corn Mache, Rainbow Chard, Tatsoi and Endive.

It is pesticide free and nourished only with sun, water and seaweed fertilizer. The lettuce is planted in a 10”x20” flat that is bursting with green lettuce ready for planting or for eating.

U- SnipIt -- You can snip the baby greens with a scissor and eat as it as it grows, it should have up to 3 re-growths if watered and provided adequate sunlight. This time of year you can keep them out all day and bring in at night or place in a window shelf.

U- PlantIt -- You can choose to plant this in your garden today. Just carefully take a 3 inch area of the tray and gather from the bottom of the tray and plant in your garden or raised bed. We recommend mulching with straw and covering with a fabric row cover like “agribond” or under plastic until the last chance of a freeze around April 18^th. You will get great lettuce through May.

Great for farmers, raised bed gardeners, the gourmet cook, the greens lover, and for teachers in experiential classroom learning.

Order or pick yours tray(s) up today - only a limited quantity is available!

Price: $20.00 per flat (please call for discounts on quantities)

Available for pick up: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Rio Valley Greenhouse 2000 Harzman Road SW, 87105

Directions: From I-25 take Bridge Blvd West to Goff turn right, then left on Harzman

Contact: Kathi Caldwell at 505- 242-4423 or Dory Wegrzyn, 505-604-5956

"The Mother of All Back-Yard Gardening Courses" - 12-part course with Michael Reed

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:19:10 +0000

THE MOTHER OF ALL BACK-YARD GARDENING COURSES

WHAT:

When we garden, we actively reconnect ourselves to the living processes of this earth, our home. This 12-part course is a thorough exploration of the theory and practice of the garden arts. It teaches principles derived from observation of natural systems and incorporates them into practical techniques used to create healthy and abundant gardens. Although we focus on applications specific to New Mexico's unique challenges, when you've finished this course you'll be able to grow anywhere below the timberline. Learning will be hands-on in a small class setting, so be sure to come prepared to take notes, ask questions, observe, interact, work up a sweat, and get your hands in the ground.

WHEN:

See list at end of post for specific dates. Classes held twice a month from Spring Equinox to Autumnal Equinox and will be offered twice, Thursday and Saturday of the same week. Class is from 9am to 1pm and will include lecture discussions, a 15 minute break, time in the garden to participate in projects or exemplary situations. This will give everyone an opportunity to see how these concepts actually work.

Each class will build upon the language and concepts introduced in the previous sessions, but the course is designed so that each class can serve as a stand-alone unit on its own. A complete listing of each class description with specific dates is available by request at skreed@earthlink.net

WHERE:

La Orilla Farm is located in the far South Valley, next to the Isleta Reservation, at 2401 Black Mesa Loop SW.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Michael Reed is an environmental philosopher and certified permaculture teacher and designer. He served three terms as president of the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association and is a founding member of Save New Mexico Seeds. As a farmer, he is dedicated to growing native and regionally adapted food and medicinal plants. As a teacher, he is passionate about growing and reintroducing to the public forgotten or neglected sources of food and other useful plants. He works with the Arid Crop Seed Cache to grow out and save seed of heirloom vegetables, herbs, and flowers. He is also part of a collaborative effort to collect and cultivate regionally appropriate heirloom fruits, nuts, berries, and perennials that can adapt and thrive in our challenging environment. There are currently over 600 different varieties in the entire collection, with over 400 found at La Orilla. A year-round grower for the past twenty years, he teaches the gardening section of the Permaculture Design Certification course offered by the Permaculture Institute, and offers workshops at his farm (and anywhere else he is asked).

THE COST:

The12-part course is $300/individual or $500/couple early payment discount until March 16, and $360/individual or $540/couple after March 16. Single classes are $30/person or $45/couple. Please call or email in advance for single class attendance as space is limited.

Payment made by cash, check or money order only. No plastic. This is a farm, folks.

Please feel free to call or e-mail with inquiries: 505-877-2877, skreed@earthlink.net.

DATES:

1) Introduction -- Thursday, March 22 / Saturday, March 24

2) Soil -- Thursday, March 29 / Saturday, March 31

3) Water -- Thursday, April 5 / Saturday, April 7

4) Annuals -- Thursday, May 3 / Saturday, May 5

5) Perennials -- Thursday, May 17 / Saturday, May 19

6) Animals -- Thursday, June 7 / Saturday, June 9

7) Trees -- Thursday, June 21 / Saturday, June 23

8) The Built Environment -- Thursday, July 5 / Saturday, July 7

9) The Food Forest -- Thursday, July 19 / Saturday, July 21

10) Storing Energy -- Thursday, August 2 / Saturday, August 4

11) Nutrition and Health -- Thursday, August 16 / Saturday, August 18

12) Pattern Language/Year-Round Gardening -- Thursday, September 6 / Saturday, September 8

Please Note: Each class is offered on both Thursday and Saturday of the week. This is to accommodate some folks who work weekends. You may register for one day or the other, but not both, since I'm trying to keep the class sizes relatively equal (i.e., if you've registered for the Thursday class, please don't show up on Saturday, unless we've discussed the change in advance). As the course proceeds, I'll try to remain flexible and be open to requests to change dates if I've overlooked some special school holiday or vacation, etc. We're all busy, creative, obligated people, and just like nature, schedules have a way of rearranging themselves.

The Birth of a New Farm

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:57:10 +0000

By Monte Skarsgard

From the January 30—February 3, 2012 edition of the Skarsgard Farms newsletter

This last fall I took some time to do a pretty honest as-sessment of the state of our farm. Reflect back at where we have been over the years. And then refine a vision for the future.

The first thing I concluded is that we have been truly fortunate over the years both in the fields and in the marketplace. We have expanded our fields from 3 acres in 2003 to 35 acres this year, and our membership from 17 (many of whom are still with us!) to 3,800. Thanks to our members, sales volumes have grown at an annualized rate of 74% over the last 9 years. So there is no doubt in my mind that along with some good fortune, we are also getting a few things right.

As a part of this introspection, I thought deeply about how we could add more value to our members. Make your ex-perience better. That led to some newness to kick off 2012. Namely, different box sizes and flexibility to choose the items you want. Something our members had asked for many times.

I also spent a huge amount of time thinking about some-thing pretty important – our name. Los Poblanos Organics.

I thought about how this venture started 9 years ago on the historic Los Poblanos Ranch, thanks to the generosity of the Rembe family who agreed to let me farm their land. The fact is the scale of our farm has expanded greatly since then and we now grow most everything on our South Valley farms. I grew up play-ing in the fields of the North Valley, so I loved being able to name the farm after my childhood stomping grounds. But now, our scope is no longer just one area in the North Valley. Our dreams and goals are larger than that.

So then you get to the obvious question: should we con-tinue to call our little enterprise Los Poblanos Organics? After pondering that question a good bit and having discussions with the Rembe family and other trusted friends, I decided that a new name might better reflect our future aspirations.

We chose a name that we hope exemplifies pride in local American farming, and recognizes my family‟s century-long dedication to the land. I am honored to introduce our members to Skarsgard Farms.

In a nutshell, nothing will change for our members ex-cept the name. Our farm land has not changed. Nor have our ser-vices. We hope this will be a positive step that will highlight our farm as a unique undertaking. A farm not limited to one part of one town in this state.

The new name also speaks to my personal commitment to the local food and small farm movements here in New Mexico. Make no mistake about it folks; this farm is here to stay. And I could not be happier about it!

Ok, now on to arm you with the tools to dispel the im-pending rumor mill.

#1. LPO and the Los Poblanos Ranch did not get a "divorce." The relationship that we have and maintain with the Rembe family has never been stronger. They have been huge supporters of the farm (and me personally) over the last 9 years, and they will continue to be an integral part of our future. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Ranch and are forever appreciative of their help over the many seasons.

#2. We did not sell out to Wal-Mart...I know this sounds crazy, but people sometimes come up with some great conspiracy theories. And I can assure you this; I did not change the name of the farm to my last name just so I could turn around and sell it off to a box store. Or anyone else, for that matter.

#3. "They dropped „Organics‟ from their name. They must be a conventional farm now." This could not be further from the truth. Our commitment to Organic and sustainable agri-culture has never been deeper. I want to gain your trust in our stewardship of the land and not by a word we put in our name.

All in all, you will continue to be a part of an amazing local farm. You are going to see our Skarsgard Farms locally grown food choices continue to increase while maintaining ac-cess to a diverse offering from other local and regional producers.

As we weave this web of conscientious consumers com-ing together with sustainable producers, we will have a food sys-tem that we can all take pride in as well as enjoy on our taste buds. That is worth working for.

I want to take this opportunity to again sincerely thank our loyal members for your support and our dedicated employees for making Skarsgard Farms possible. Please do not hesitate to call or email with any questions that you may have.

Cheers to a new beginning,

Farmer Monte Skarsgard