RGVFG: Tradition, preservation and cooperation

The South Valley of Albuquerque is known for its agricultural wealth, and that atmosphere has been threatened by development in recent years. In order to fight subdivisions and box stores, Ron Shipley decided to take matters into his own hands and form the Rio Grande Valley Farmers Guild.

Shipley says the guild is designed to give farmers access to land, water, equipment, education and support. In this video, we meet three of the 12 founding members: Shipley, Richard Brandt and Jennifer Prosser.

Brandt directs Dragon Farm, which is part of the curriculum at South Valley Academy, a charter high school in the area. Students plant, cultivate and harvest the farm year-round as part of their curriculum.

Prosser is an herbalist and owns Sunstone Herbs. She moved from upstate New York last year and has only been on her property in the South Valley for about six months. So, she's in the process of preparing her land for next year's harvest.

Although in its infant stages, the guild has already initiated a number of projects: purchasing equipment for members' use, growing organic grains, growing hops for local beer, creating an herb co-op, creating a community orchard, and creating a mentoring program.

Shipley says this is the most important work of his life. If the guild is successful, then farming will continue to be alive in the South Valley for generations to come.

Chris Dudley wrote and composed the music for this piece. He also helped with the photography. Read his blog: bullhornjournal.com.