The Community Farm Story
A short ride on the Santa Fe Trails bus takes you to the Traditional Historic Village of Agua Fria (Cold Spring). Near the site of a prehistoric pueblo, the spring was a rest stop on the Camino Real. There, adjacent to the San Ysidro River Park, you will find The Community Farm.
As a working model of small-scale urban food production, the Farm serves as an agricultural education center, applying appurtenant water rights to 11 agricultural acres in the high desert southwest, with a commitment to charitable donation of fresh fruits and vegetables to the hungry, homeless, and disabled of the area. It offers to a wide variety of community groups of all ages and abilities opportunities to develop hands-on skills and capabilities in sustainable agriculture practices and natural resource conservation. The farm fosters a deeper understanding of the role of agriculture for food security and community. Volunteers come from a wide variety of groups including schools (elementary through graduate school), elderhostel, inter-faith groups, the shelters, private citizens, and individuals fulfilling court ordered community service.
One of the oldest and last remaining farms in Santa Fe, it is a rare community asset, established 60 years ago by native John Stephenson. After retirement, he dedicated the operation of this farm to sustainable agriculture and charitable giving. John has been named a Living Treasure by the City of Santa Fe, received a Thousand Points of Light Award from President Clinton and in 2009 was honored with The Sustainable Santa Fe Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year marks the farms third year as a 501c3 non-profit corporation. In 2010, the number of families in need grew at an unprecedented rate. Feeding the hungry has never been more important. Recognizing this, the Farm stepped up its production and distribution of food to local charities and low-income families.
Given our rather modest budget, we are very proud of our work. In these difficult times, the farm must focus on its own financial situation, in order to respond to the ever-growing community need. We realize that as well as an agricultural model of sustainability, it is increasingly important to be also a financial model of sustainability. This spring we will initiate projects for retail operations: producing locally grown compost for sale to gardeners and setting up a roadside farm market to sell fruits and vegetables at reduced prices in a low-income neighborhood where such an option does not now exist. Hopefully, the farm stand will encourage changed buying and eating habits, while simultaneously building community.
On behalf of all of us at the farm, we thank you for you interest and support over the years. Our Farm is shovel ready and open to all to visit and learn while enjoying the beauty and bounty of agricultural open space in the middle of Santa Fe. What we offer is not abstract; it comes directly from the earth and provides for the most basic and essential of human rights, healthy food for those who need it most.
It is our community; it is your farm. Learn about sustainable organic agriculture, food systems, hunger relief, and serve with the diverse community of folks who work on the farm. There is a field…let’s meet there… to enjoy fresh air, open space and beautiful scenery. All welcome regardless of ability or age. Also please consider contributions of money and materials, manure and mulch.TO HELP OUT WITH YOUR TIME, SKILL, FINANCIAL OR OTHER ASSISTANCE
PLEASE CALL (505) 983-3033, OR E-MAIL sfcommunityfarm@gmail.com
Thank You.
