In the high desert of rural Northern New Mexico is the fertile Espanola Valley, part of the larger Rio Grande Valley. It is watered by the Chama and Rio Grande Rivers and the ancient system of acequias, the irrigation canals now maintained by people in the valley communities.

Farming has changed little in 400 years in Northern New Mexico. Today, small historic family farms remain on the fertile lands, both native Indian lands and the Land Grants given by the Spanish Crown to settlers. Newcomers are also cultivating the land, both Anglos and Mexicans, joining the original farming families. The farms are small and follow traditional growing practices. Farmers grow the original Native American crops of corn, beans, squash and chili peppers, as well as the varieties of vegetables and fruits introduced by the Spanish settlers in the late 16th century.

These family farms continue the Northern New Mexico tradition of living on and in harmony with the land and their ancestors. The farms produce healthy, good food and protect the land. Today, roadside farm stands have grown into larger farmers markets in the towns of Santa Fe, Española and Los Alamos, as well as villages like Abiquiú.

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