The Farmer All-Star Awards are one way the Institute acknowledges the hard work of the farmers, ranchers, and other land-based producers who are the driving force behind the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, as well as community members who support all aspects of local agriculture and the local food system and who are dedicated supporters of the Institute’s work.

Each year, after much thought and reflection, three farms are selected by a committee of their peers. This committee of farmers bases their decision on criteria such as tenure at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, involvement with the Market and/or Institute, contributions to the over-all agricultural community of northern New Mexico, knowledge-sharing and mentoring, community outreach, innovation, etc.

The first Farmer All-Star awards were given to three community members to honor their work in seeing the Market Pavilion go from an idea in 1997 to a permanent home for the Market in 2008. Eight years later, we resumed honoring one community member each year. From 2009 to 2018, the Institute awarded 30 invaluable vendors who have shown a strong commitment to local agriculture, to our beloved Market, and to people across northern New Mexico.

Our list of amazing producers and supporters keeps growing, while continuing to reflect the diversity of our community and the bounty produced in northern New Mexico. When reading these names, it is clear why the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is consistently listed among the best markets in the country.

Even though times have changed since the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market started over 50 years ago, our farmers have preserved the rich agricultural heritage of New Mexico while building a market that is more robust and vibrant than ever before. In recognizing these farmers’ and community members’ accomplishments, we are inspired and confident we will have the opportunity to honor many more people for years to come.

The History of the Farmer All-Stars

2019

Malandro Farm – Lisa Anderson and Jim Benson Read about them
RZ’s Bees – Ricardo Sanchez and Deborah Hayes-Sanchez (d.) Read about them
SunStar Herbs – Becky and David Thorp Read about them
Senator Tom Udall

2018

La Mesa Organic Farms – Mesa Ruiz Read about them
Second Bloom Farm – Deb Wood & Family Read about them
Jesus Guzman Produce Read about him
Matt Yohalem, Chef Read about him

2017

Nambe Orchards – Dave Vigil Read about him
One Straw Farm – Ric Gaudet Read about him
Jubilee Farms – Brett Ellison Read about them
Deborah Madison, Chef/Author/Teacher Read about her

2016

Cedar Grove Nursery & Farm – Daeschel Family Read about them
Santa Cruz Farm & Greenhouses – Don Bustos and Nery Martinez Read about them
Revolution Farm – Alex Pino Read about him
Pam Roy, Farm to Table Read about her

2015

Monte Vista Organic Farm – Dave and Loretta Fresquez Read about them
Gonzalez Farm – Jose Gonzalez and Maria Mandujano Read about them
Camino de Paz School & Farm – Greg Nussbaum and Patty Pantano Read about them

2014

Jacona Farm – Phil Loomis
Anna Maria’s Farm – Pilar Abadia
Vigil’s Chimayo Produce – Glora and Noel (d.) Trujillo

2013

Shepherd’s Lamb – Antonio and Molly Manzanares
Stephenson Natural Farm – Ronnie Stephenson
Green Tractor Farm – Tom and Mary Dixon

2012

Ice’s Organic Farm – Ron and Gayle Ice
Flor del Rio – Anna Mae Salazar
Pat Montoya Family Orchards – Pat and Juanita Montoya

2011

Martinez Farms – Tina Martinez
Gilberto’s Farm – Gilbert and Isabel Naranjo
Romero & Naranjo Farm – Sam and Sophie Romero

2010

Love & Leche (formerly Milk & Honey Soap) – Daven Lee
Zamora’s – Tony and Helen Zamora (current vendor)
Mr. G’s Organic Produce – Gary and Natasya Gundersen

2009

Rancho LLAM – Levi and Angelina Valdez
El Bosque Garlic Farm – Stan and RoseMary Crawford
La Loma Segura – Carmen and Leo Sagura

2008

For their hard word in manifesting the Farmers’ Market Pavilion:

Bruce Geiss
Joan Brooks Baker
Georgia Maryol