MRCOG Agriculture Collaborative Sponsored Events

• Monthly Agriculture Collaborative Meeting: Developing localized food and agriculture policies that help reduce carbon emissions. The City of Albuquerque’s Climate Change Task Force is looking for feedback from the agriculture community on four key recommended policies and practices. We will be discussing the merits of each of the four: developing controlled environment agriculture (greenhouses); implementing a region-wide food and agriculture policy council; encouraging more backyard/patio or regional gardens; and identifying ways to preserve agriculture land. Task Force members Phil Pohl, of Sandia National Laboratories, Diana Crowson, with the Village of Los Lunas, and Jay Evans, with Albuquerque Parks and Recreation will be on hand to frame the discussion and break us up into four groups to address each recommendation. So, bring your ideas and feedback and help position the region as a leader in the climate change debate. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th from 9 am to 10:30 am at the MRCOG offices located at 809 Copper Ave NW. For more information, contact Ann Simon at (505) 724-3617 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Events Sponsored by Other Groups in the Community

For more information on the events below, please use the contact listed for each event. To post an event, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• 2008 New Mexico Small Farm Conference: The theme for this year's conference is Looking to the Future, with talks, demonstrations, workshops, and vendor exhibits on a variety of agricultural topics. The conference will take place October 24th and 25th at the Moriarty Civic Center. Call (505) 852-2668 for more information. More info/registration

• UNM Lobo Growers Market and Sustainability Fair: The market will be held on Tuesday October 21st, from 10 am to 2 pm on UNM's Main Campus at Cornell Plaza, located north of the UNM Bookstore and Popejoy Hall. For more information or to participate as a vendor, please contact Rose Chavez at (505) 277-3325 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . The next market will be held on November 2nd.

• 2008 Bosque Boogie/MRGCD Harvest Festival: Sunday, Oct. 12 from 8 am to Noon at the Northeast corner of Montano and Coors. The sixth annual Bosque Boogie race features 5 and 10k runs, as well as a 5K walk and 1K kids' run. In addition to highlighting the recreational opportunities the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District provides in the Bosque and along its ditches, the region’s agricultural heritage will be celebrated with local growers selling fresh produce. If you are interested in selling at the event, please contact Tom at (505) 256-3625.

• 2008 Maize Maze at Rio Grande Community Farm: Wind your way through this year's corn maze, which features a cottonwood tree, an owl, and sunflowers. The maze is open Friday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays and is great fun for the whole family. See the RCGF website for hours/directions .

• Special Events at the Los Ranchos Growers' & Arts/Crafts Market: October 4th is Balloon Fiesta Favorites at the market with live music, activities, and guest chef Kenny the Fishhugger and Flying Star Executive Chef, Michael Giese. On October 11th the market will be celebrating National Herb Day with live Celtic music and plenty of herbs for sale. October 25th is costume day with live music and fun for the kids. The market is held on Saturdays from 8 am to 11 am (note time change to fall hours) at 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW. More information/directions

• Special Events at the Downtown Growers Market: The Great Pumpkin Fiesta will be held on Saturday October 25th from 9 am to noon, at Robinson Park (8th and Central). Purchase cold weather veggies while enjoying a hot cup of cider. There will also be a pumpkin carving contest. More information/directions

• "U-pick" at Heidi's Raspberry Farm: Raspberries are still in season and ready to be picked by the pint at Heidi's Raspberry Farm in Corrales, NM. Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am to 3 pm (ongoing weekly until supplies last/first frost). More information/directions

• Dragon Farms Fundraising Event: Show your support for Dragon Farms, a project of the South Valley Academy. There will be live entertainment, food, and plants/produce for sale. The event will be held at the school's farm located at 3426 Blake Rd SW. Contact Richard Brandt at 363-3776 for more information.

And don't forget to visit the variety of Albuquerque area farmers markets each week!

If you would like to have your local food/agriculture event listed for the month of November, please contact KT LaBadie at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .