Small Agricultural Land Conservation Initiative (SALCI)

Preservation of farmland ensures the sustainability of New Mexico’s local food supply. Small family farms are disappearing fast due to development pressures, subdividing and the transfer of water rights to urban areas. In collaboration with the local Land Trust community, the Institute convened SALCI because of a shared belief that small agricultural landowners should qualify for tax credits when they put their land into a conservation easement.

Water Initiative

Water is a precious resource that will become more so with climate change. The Institute has worked with New Mexico farmers to develop water conservation techniques on their farms, to develop irrigation contingency plans, and to advocate for water rights within the community.

Local Organic Meals on a Budget (LOMB)

Local Organic Meals on a Budget was done in partnership with Kitchen Angels in 2014.

Farms, Films Food / Movie Series

In 2006, we began hosting a Movie Series in the Market Pavilion, featuring agriculture, food, and environment-related films. In 2015, we partnered with the Jean Cocteau and Violet Crown Cinema, who hosted the screenings. In 2016, our movie series grew into a partnership with the Center for Contemporary Arts and the Street Food Institute, called Farms, Films, Food: A Santa Fe Celebration. In 2016 and 2017, the CCA hosted 6 events, which offered free food samples from a cooking demonstration by local chefs or farmers, tours of Waxman Gallery, presentations from community partners, affordable meals from the Street Food Institute and other food trucks (including specials using locally-sourced produce), and free screenings of family-friendly films and films related to agriculture, food, or the environment.