New Mexico

Over at Mandy's Farm, staff are using the AgrAbility apprenticeship winter break to create a crop plan that focuses on vegetables that grow well in NM's arid climate. Chosen crops will have a direct connection to the foods NM AgrAbility apprentices already enjoy, such as radishes, carrots, beets, and leafy greens. As it warms up, the Lakeview farm site will add summer vegetables, including tomatoes, chilies, sweet peppers, and cucumbers. Most of the garden beds at Lakeview will involve careful intercropping/companion planting with beneficial herbs and flowers to support a healthy farm ecosystem.

At Mandy's Farm's second farm location, Clark, staff and apprentices will plant medicinal and perennial herbs, pumpkins, and other decorative squash and corn. Staff will also develop a new plot for summer and fall flowers, which can be used for cut flower arrangements. All the crops produced will be sold by NM AgrAbility apprentices at both farmers' markets and to wholesale customers, furthering the apprentices' business education.

This year, Mandy's Farm interns will again be supported by the University of New Mexico's occupational therapy graduate program, a partner of the NM AgrAbility Project. Two UNM population health students will complete their capstone project at Mandy's Farm under the supervision of the fieldwork educator. The students will learn about the rigorous work of growing food while supporting the health needs of food growers with disabilities.

Submitted by Julie LaJeunesse