The 2025 growing season marks the second successful year for Cultivo, our nonprofit youth farming and education program growing food at Cerro Vista Farm. Cultivo’s mission is to connect new generations to farming while strengthening the local food system in northern Taos County. Through meaningful work and mentorship, local youth and people in their 20s, 30s and older gain hands-on experience in growing, harvesting and preparing produce for markets at an established and well-loved local farm, Cerro Vista.
We worked side by side with our lead farmer and teacher, Daniel Carmona, to learn the full cycle of vegetable production on a small farm. From the first seedlings to our fall harvest, our team worked in the fields transplanting, weeding, harvesting, washing and packing produce. Youth participants, both our younger teen interns and older teen apprentices, brought energy, dedication and curiosity to the farm.
Cultivo produce was sold at Questa Farmers Market where youth interns served customers. Our produce was purchased by Alys a La Cart in Taos, and by Farmhouse Café where you can eat our carrots long into the winter. The North Central Food Pantry purchased Cultivo vegetables increasing their clients’ access to fresh, local food. These outlets help build a bridge between young farmers, local enterprise and community health.
Our small CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program was a success with 28 members receiving weekly summer shares, and 30 members receiving a fall share. Many customers expressed their appreciation for high quality produce and the opportunity to support young people learning to farm. This model strengthens local food security and employment especially for youth.
Alongside land, water and the sun’s energy, the heart of Cultivo is the people. We extend deep gratitude to our participants and their families:
Cultivo Interns:
• Sierra Allen
• Dominik Anaya-Rael
• Amber Coté
• Trey Cloud
• Maddix Cloud
• Izyk Gallegos
• Emmanuel Medina
• Oddin Mikhaelsson
• Alma Lightman
• Bradley (Bo) Ortega
• Joel Santistevan
• Tulsi Shaw
• Kayd Stroh
• Nikkita Trujillo
Questa Farmers Market Interns worked at Cerro Vista Farm or supported us at the Sunday market:
• Aubrey Cisneros
• Maria Mercedes Vigil Flores
• Gracie Martinez
• Lyanna Vigil
Farm apprentices:
• Gilbert Alcorta
• Juliana Verderaime
• Dominic Verderaime
Thanks to our dedicated mentors:
• Justin Powers
• Heather Enders
• Mikhael Oskarsson
• Blaze Diamond
• Elias Quintana
• Esperanza Quintana
• Davy Vargo
• Farmer-educator Daniel Carmona
We witnessed young people become more confident, responsible and grounded in farming and cooperative work. Special thanks to Daniel Hutchison, Tallie Segel and Martha Morgan for their key roles in administration and program support. Thank you, too, community volunteers who helped throughout the season!
As we close up the farm for winter, we celebrate what we’ve grown in the field and in life: our skill sets and our shared wellbeing. Growing food on a small farm is a practice of resilience, creativity and hope for the future of farming in northern New Mexico, and beyond. Our produce is available now at Sangre de Cristo Valley Market! Carrots, cabbage and acorn squash are now in the store.
Our deep thanks to our 2025 grant funders for their generous support: Taos Community Foundation (Impact Grant and ARPA Grant), Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Rural Roots Initiative, the LOR Foundation, the Seay Foundation, the Questa Economic Development Fund and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative and the Uplift Fund with Taos Ski Valley. Their partnership makes this work possible along with continued support from our community. Special thanks to our donors! Secure, tax-deductible donations can be made through our website or by contacting us.
For more information, please visit CultivoProject.org or contact program director Gaea McGahee at cultivoprogram@gmail.com.
Email: cultivoprogram@gmail.com
Instagram: @cultivo_keepitgrowing
Phone: (575) 224-2101 (text or leave a message)
Website: CultivoProject.org
Office: Yoga Sala, 2331 Hwy 522, Questa
A program of Localogy 501(c)(3) Questa, NM
