We live near the base of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which is located in the southern part of the state, near El Paso, TX. Las Cruces is nestled in the fertile Mesilla Valley, next to the Rio Grande, which feeds the local agricultural economy.

There are 82,000 acres of irrigated land over a well stocked aquifer, producing such crops as pecans, onions, garlic, cotton, alfalfa, and of course, chiles. The climate is hot and dry, boasting approximately 350 days of sunshine per year and a monsoon season in July and August. With only 8.5 inches of rainfall per year, the region is technically a desert, characterized by sandy, alkaline soils. Yet, it is a rapidly growing part of the country.

The influx of people and the resulting development poses a great threat to the preservation of agriculture in the area. The scarcity of water exacerbates the situation, as farmers face the possibility of losing water rights in the future. Ironically, the dynamics of growth are also creating a greater demand for organic, local, and sustainably produced food.

So how will the future of agriculture in the Mesilla Valley unfold? We’re hoping that farmers can develop a relationship with the community that will prevent the loss of farmland. And while we’re here, we hope to help make that connection.