Rio Grande Community Farm

2025 Annual Report

 

For more than 28 years, Rio Grande Community Farm (RGCF) has stewarded land, now 50 acres, within the City of Albuquerque’s Los Poblanos Fields Open Space. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our work is made possible through the generous support of donors, foundations, grants, community events, corporate partners, and modest program fees.

At our core, RGCF is committed to shared stewardship, respectful community engagement, and responsible care of land and water resources—ensuring equitable access to agriculture for all.

2025 in Review

This year marked meaningful growth and resilience.

We expanded to a team of six dedicated staff, supported by 309 volunteers, our Board of Directors, and key partners like Blue River Productions. Together, we completed large-scale projects—from agrivoltaics installation and irrigation maintenance to composting systems and community events—demonstrating the power of collective effort.

Sustainable Regenerative Farming

RGCF continued to advance regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and ecosystem balance. In 2025, we:

• Reduced weeds and pests through cover cropping, trap planting, and proactive weed management 
• Strengthened our integrated pest management system 
• Supported biodiversity and wildlife through intentional land stewardship 

These practices not only improve yields but also ensure long-term sustainability of the land.

Micro Farming Program

Our micro farming program remains a cornerstone of equitable land access.

• 38 active micro farmers in 2025, growing to 64 for the 2026 season 
• Approximately 14 acres under cultivation 

Participating groups include:

• Tres Hermanas Farm Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program 
• Mountain Dojo Celestial Farm (neurodivergent farmers’ cooperative) 
• Rocky Mountain Youth Corps 
• Semilla Project 
• RGCF Indigenous Farmer Program 

This program continues to support beginning farmers, diverse communities, and small agricultural businesses.

Community Garden Program

RGCF supports 100 community garden rows and a long-standing 1/8-acre pollinator garden, serving groups such as:

• Albuquerque Master Gardeners Millennial Garden 
• Alvarado Elementary School 
• Bosque School 
• Indigenous Gardener Program 

These spaces provide hands-on access to food production, education, and community connection.

Composting & Soil Health

In 2025, RGCF composted:

• 5,400+ gallons (~27,000 pounds) of food waste 

We also integrated:

• Weekly manure contributions from Cloud Dancers Therapeutic Horsemanship 
• Local yard waste and wood chips 
• Five Johnson-Su bioreactors to enhance soil biology 

This work diverts waste from landfills while building healthier soils across the farm.

Equipment Loan Pool

Our equipment loan program continues to expand access to regenerative tools, including:

• Walk-behind tractors (BCS) 
• Flail mowers 
• 6’ no-till drill seeder 
• Additional specialty equipment 

This program supports both on-site farmers and the broader agricultural community.

Agrivoltaics Microgrid Project

In partnership with Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico, RGCF hosted an innovative agrivoltaics project combining solar energy and agriculture.

Key outcomes:

• Adjustable solar panels improved crop protection and working conditions 
• Extended growing seasons and increased production by ~40% 
• The microgrid now powers the farm’s well system, supplying water to the 16-acre production field 

This project demonstrates the future of sustainable, climate-resilient farming.

Data & Farm Monitoring

RGCF installed soil and weather sensors to support data-driven farming:

• Real-time weather station available to farmers via our website 
• Greenhouse sensors tracking soil moisture and temperature 

These tools help RGCF and farmers make informed decisions and improve efficiency.

Production & Land Stewardship

• 1,399 hay bales harvested, despite drought conditions 
• Flood irrigation ended early in June, with late-season irrigation in September supporting winter cover crops 
• 168 fruit trees continue to mature, providing shared food resources for the community 

Education & Workforce Development

Education remains central to our mission.

In 2025:

• 1,346 participants engaged in workshops and programs 
• Topics included soil health, composting, regenerative farming, and gardening 

Highlights:

• Hired a dedicated Education Programs Coordinator 
• Piloted a culinary internship program with Valley High School and NM2050 
• Hosted youth and school programs in partnership with Explora 

Education Field & Partnerships

Our education field continues to grow as a hub for learning and collaboration.

• Partnered with Cool It Burque, and Explora 
• Hosted hands-on programming for elementary students 
• Provided space for experiential learning in agriculture and sustainability 

Wildlife Habitat

RGCF maintains 12.5 acres of permanent wildlife habitat, supporting biodiversity and seasonal food sources for local species.

Community Events

RGCF welcomed thousands of visitors through community events:

• Spring Plant Sale – 400 attendees 
• Lavender Gala – 102 attendees (inaugural event) 
• Lavender in the Village Festival – 8,000 attendees; recognized as a Top 5 Festival by Albuquerque the Magazine 
• Farmers Market – 250 attendees; 15 micro farmers participated 
• Movie Night – 108 attendees; strong neighborhood engagement 
• Agritourism Bike Tour – 20 cyclists exploring the farm 

These events strengthen community connections while supporting RGCF’s mission.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives

With support from a $255,000 Capital Outlay sponsored by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division, RGCF is advancing key improvements:

• Hoophouses powered by the agrivoltaics microgrid 
• Vision Garden and Food Forest development 
• Expansion of the micro farmer program 
• Increased education programming and workshops 
• Upgrades to the wellhouse, greenhouse, and equipment loan pool 

Thank You

None of this work would be possible without the support of our community, partners, donors, and the City of Albuquerque.

Together, we are cultivating a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system for Albuquerque.