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 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, 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. Farmer practices vary, but they share a common philosophy around regenerative agriculture and organic 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 Farm Park Farmers’ Cooperative 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 range from 1/8 acre to one full acre, depending on farming experience and availability.
Interested parties can stop by the Farm Park and talk to Farm Manager, Jesus Flores or email the Farm Park Director at dan@riograndefarmpark.org.
Community Member and Family 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. Plots range in size from 200 linear feet to 1600 linear feet, so be sure you’re ready to commit to the season! Number of plots is limited.
Interested parties can stop by the Farm Park and talk to Farm Manager, Jesus Flores or email the Farm Park Director at dan@riograndefarmpark.org.
