Farming Programs
A Place to Grow
The Rio Grande Farm Park has two designated growing areas to host our farmers: a commercial growing area and a community growing area. Our commercial farmers grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables each year for local markets. They serve as a valuable source of nutritious, local produce for the SLV Food Bank Network (Alamosa and Crestone), the Boys and Girls Club of the SLV, Promotores del Valle, and the SLV Immigrant Resource Center. If you’ve ever shopped at a farmers market in the San Luis Valley, you’ve likely supported farmers from the Rio Grande Farm Park and the Rio Grande Growers Co-Op. Farmers’ practices vary, but they share a common philosophy around regenerative agriculture and sustainable growing methods. This means growing a diverse range of crops without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. It also means caring for the soil through cover cropping, crop rotating, and water conservation practices along the Rio Grande corridor.
Commercial Farming Plots
Farmers planning to sell their produce via farmers’ markets, restaurants or grocers, the Valley Roots Food Hub, or other marketplaces should apply for a Commercial Plot. All commercial farmers are required to join the Rio Grande Organic Growers Co-Op and will be interviewed by members of the co-op prior to their application being approved. This program is intended to support beginner farmers and farmers from historically disadvantaged groups. Plot sizes vary depending on farming experience and availability.
For consideration to be a grower in the commercial farming section, applicants must first have successfully completed a full growing season as a Community Member or Family Farmer.
Interested parties can email the Farm Park Director at dan@riograndefarmpark.org.
Community Farming Plots
Anyone interested in growing food for themselves and their immediate household should apply for a plot in our Community Garden section. The Farm Park is proud to provide this space to SLV residents as a response to food insecurity and the need for ongoing sustainable agriculture education in our community.
Please be aware that this is not your typical community garden. Plot sizes range from 1/2 row to 3 rows, depending on farming experience and availability. Farm Park staff members will be in touch to help new growers throughout the season if guidance and additional resources are needed. Number of plots is limited.
Interested parties can fill out a community member & family farmer interest form, located HERE/ through the QR code below, or email the Farm Park Director at dan@riograndefarmpark.org.
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