Rio Grande Farm Park

Name

Rio Grande Farm Park

Legal name

Rio Grande Farm Park

Website

https://riograndefarmpark.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Agriculture Services

NAICS

Vegetable and Melon Farming (1112), Fruit and Tree Nut Farming (1113)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Greenhouse Herb & Microgreens Production (Culinary Herbs, Microgreens) (AFAGAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Irrigation, Fertigation & Nutrient Delivery Systems (Dosing, Injectors, Sensors) (AFAAAHAE)

Keywords

• Community farm operations
• Sustainable agriculture education
• Regenerative farming practices
• Farmers market management
• Food systems development

Headquarters

HQ city

Alamosa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Commercial Farming Plots: Commercial farmers pay for plots to grow produce for sale at farmers markets, restaurants, grocers, and the Valley Roots Food Hub. All commercial farmers must join Rio Grande Organic Growers Co-Op.
2. Community Farming Plots: Community member/family plots available for SLV residents to grow food for themselves and their immediate household. Plot sizes range from 1/2 row to 3 rows.
3. Greenhouse Retail Sales: Greenhouse open to public on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8-10am. Offers seasonal plants, herbs, vegetables, and farm-fresh eggs. Accepts cash and checks.
4. Education Center Rentals: Event space rental for meetings and gatherings. Priority group pricing for local non-profits, youth education programs, farmers, workshop facilitators. General rental pricing for other organizations. Building capacity is 49 people.
5. Mercadillo Market Fees: Most vendor categories (RGFP Farmers, Local Produce Vendors, Cottage Food Vendors, Artisans) participate free with optional donations. Some categories like electricity access ($5/plug) have nominal fees.
6. Compost Sales: Compost available for order and pick-up. Retail compost sales for community garden and farm plot use.
7. Donations and Endowment: Accepts cash gifts, stocks, land/property gifts, planned giving, donor-advised fund grants, and honorary/memorial gifts to support endowment fund for long-term sustainability.
8. Grants: Multiple grants received including Colorado Garden Foundation ($10,000 for outdoor classroom), Colorado Tree Coalition (20 new trees), USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rio Grande Farm Park operates a 38-acre community farm in Alamosa, Colorado, providing commercial farming plots, community/family growing plots, a passive solar greenhouse, an orchard, composting services, the Mercadillo en el Rio weekly farmers market, education center rentals, an adobe horno for community cooking, and youth/sustainable agriculture education programs. It functions as a multi-program community agricultural hub supporting food security, regenerative farming, and agricultural education in the San Luis Valley.

Product overview

Rio Grande Farm Park is a 38-acre community agricultural center offering a diverse portfolio of programs and facilities. Core offerings include Commercial & Community Farming plots for agricultural production, a passive solar Greenhouse for year-round growing, an Orchard with 48 fruit trees, and Composting services. The park operates the Mercadillo en el Rio weekly farmers market and provides Education Center and Horno rental facilities for community events. Recreational amenities include a Nature Play Area with Children's Garden, Walking Trails, Laguna for kayaking and fishing, and Art installations. Educational programs encompass Farm to School curriculum, the Rising Stewards youth internship, Generation Wild coalition membership, and seasonal Workshops. Infrastructure programs include Rainwater Catchment systems. Community engagement is facilitated through Volunteer Programs and an Endowment Fund for long-term sustainability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial & Community Farming Plots Rental of designated commercial growing areas (for farmers selling produce to markets) and community growing plots (1/2 row to 3 rows for residents to grow food for their own households). All commercial farmers must join the Rio Grande Organic Growers Co-Op. Serves small-scale commercial farmers and SLV residents.
• Passive Solar Greenhouse A passive solar greenhouse facility with thermal-mass black water barrels and wax-activated automatic vents, used for seed-starting, chick-hatching, and year-round growing. Open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays (8-10am) for retail sales of plants, herbs, vegetables, and farm-fresh eggs. Shelf rental available for farmers ($15/shelf/month).
• Orchard An on-site orchard with 48 cold-hardy fruit trees (apples, pears, cherries, berries, nuts) suited to alpine climate, managed by volunteers and Farm Park staff year-round, supporting honeybee colonies using natural beekeeping principles.
• Composting Program Three-bin composting system producing nutrient-rich soil amendments for garden beds and farm fields. Compost available for order and pick-up retail sale to community gardens and farm plots.
• Mercadillo en el Rio Farmers Market Weekly on-site farmers market held Wednesdays 3-7pm from July through September, featuring fresh produce, herbs, flowers, local artisans, musicians, and food vendors. Most vendor categories participate free with optional donations. Accepts SNAP and Double-Up Food Bucks for food accessibility.
• Education Center Rental Event space rental offering 70 foldable chairs, 9 collapsible tables, and a large screen TV, with capacity for 49 people. Priority group pricing for non-profits, youth programs, farmers, and local groups; general rental pricing for other organizations.
• Horno (Adobe Oven) Reservation Free reservations for an outdoor adobe oven and courtyard area for communal cooking and small gatherings using traditional Southwest Hispanic-American methods. Users bring their own wood and utensils.
• Nature Play Area and Children's Garden Nature-based playground with zipline, sandbox, chalkboard, and slide (built 2019) plus a children's garden with raised beds for pollinator plants, native plants, and herbs (built 2025). Open as a public recreational facility.
• Walking Trails Public trail system connected to the City of Alamosa's trail network, including paths around the park's interior perimeter and access to the Rio Grande River.
• Laguna (Recreational Water Area) A 9-acre on-site water area serving as a community recreation spot for kayaking, fishing, and nature enjoyment, also functioning as part of the irrigation system for farmers via drip irrigation.
• Farm to School Program Curriculum development initiative integrating farm-to-school education into existing programs, funded by USDA's Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. Designed for local K-12 students.
• Rising Stewards Youth Internship Paid summer internship for high schoolers (ages 14+) covering agriculture, food systems, plant health, life cycles, and outdoor career pathways with hands-on farming and classroom lessons.
• Generation Wild Coalition Program Coalition membership program creating sustainable land and water stewardship education programs for San Luis Valley youth from pre-K through college.
• Seasonal Workshops Seasonal educational workshops covering regenerative agriculture, local foods, and homesteading topics including regenerative poultry production, canning and fermentation, grant writing for farmers, mushroom cultivation, soil fertility, tree pruning, and beekeeping.
• Rainwater Catchment System Rainwater harvesting infrastructure with two catchment barrels installed at the on-site residential duplex in 2026, designed to increase water access in drought-prone San Luis Valley and build climate resilience.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 pounds of vegetables sold at Mercadillo en el Rio in one season
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition (SLVLFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLVLFC is the parent organization that operates the Rio Grande Farm Park. The farm park is a land-based project of the coalition, which works to foster an equitable local food system in the San Luis Valley. The coalition manages the Valley Roots Food Hub, Mercadillo en el Rio, and other local food initiatives.
• Rio Grande Organic Growers CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommercial farmers at the farm park formed this cooperative in 2019. The Co-Op enables farmers to access affordable insurance policies, sell collectively to larger markets, and work together as industry leaders. All commercial farmers must join the Co-Op.
• Generation Wild CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLV Generation Wild's vision is for the San Luis Valley to host a vibrant, healthy, and active outdoor community. Coalition partners create sustainable, culturally relevant land and water stewardship education programs for SLV youth from pre-K through college.
• Valley Roots Food HubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline local food marketplace where Rio Grande Farm Park commercial farmers sell their produce. Valley Roots partnered with 188 producers to deliver produce through their Fresh Box program.
• Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on youth education programs and art projects. Receives fresh produce donations. Local students participate in trail naming and installation projects at the farm park.
• Colorado State University Extension / CSUmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides agricultural education resources, workshops, and programs including Colorado Building Farmers and Ranchers Business Development Course, Tree Pruning Workshop, and Colorado Poultry Producers Class.
• Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on tree care, pruning workshops, and orchard management. Collaborated on selecting ornamental trees for 2026 planting through Colorado Tree Coalition grant.
• Adams State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity students volunteer at the farm park and collaborate on various projects.
• Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer groups from SCC participate in farm park projects and conservation work.
• Valley Wide Health SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer groups from Valley Wide Health Systems participate in farm park projects.
• Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior volunteers participate in monthly volunteer workdays at the farm park.
• City of AlamosamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with city on trail development and expansion. Farm park connected to city's trail system. SLV GO! provides funds for nature trail development around park perimeter.
• Trust for Public LandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting public land preservation and trail development in the San Luis Valley.
• Colorado Open LandsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization focused on land preservation and agricultural conservation in Colorado.
• Alpine Achievers Initiative (AAI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner organization supporting youth and community initiatives.
• Rio Grande Watershed Conservation and Education Initiative (RGWCEI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFocuses on conservation and education initiatives within the Rio Grande watershed.
• VEGI (Valley Educational Gardens Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes educational gardening programs throughout the San Luis Valley.
• Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports farmers and ranchers throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
• SLV Immigrant Resource CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceives fresh produce donations from the farm park for immigrant communities.
• Food Bank of the Rockies / SLVminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReceives thousands of pounds of produce donations from commercial farmers.
• Promotores del ValleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceives fresh produce donations and participates in community health education.
• Guidestone ColoradominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable agriculture organization hosting AgriSummit conferences. Provides farmer scholarships for RGFP farmers.
• AmeriCorpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational service program supporting community service initiatives at the farm park.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA agency providing conservation technical assistance for agricultural land management.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Pie Ranch: Coastal California nonprofit farm emphasizing farm-to-table education, farmer apprentice programs, and food access. Comparable to RGFP in its apprenticeship training, youth education, and produce-donation model.
• Soul Fire Farm: Community farm in upstate New York offering land-based farming, youth education, and food justice training with a focus on Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. Comparable to RGFP in combining agricultural production, food access programs, and structured learning for emerging and disadvantaged farmers.
• Big Green: National nonprofit that builds learning gardens in schools and supports food education. Comparable to RGFP's Farm to School, Rising Stewards, and Generation Wild programs focused on youth and outdoor food-systems education.
• Intervale Center: Vermont-based nonprofit that incubates commercial farms, runs a food hub, and provides farmer training and conservation services. Mirrors RGFP's blend of land lease programs, cooperative market access, and small-farm incubation model.
• Center for Land-Based Learning: California-based nonprofit operating farms, incubators, and youth programs focused on agriculture, food systems, and career pathways. Directly comparable to RGFP's Rising Stewards-style paid internships and farmer-training programs.
• Urban Adamah: Berkeley-based nonprofit combining an urban regenerative farm, educational programs, and community events. Closely comparable to RGFP as a multi-program community farm with public access, classes, and food production.
• Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming: Finger Lakes region nonprofit offering farm incubation, farmer training, and community food access. Comparable to RGFP’s commercial farmer incubation and food-access programming in a rural setting.

Regional players

• Community Farm Alliance (Kentucky): Kentucky-based nonprofit advocating for local food systems, supporting farmers, and running food access programs. Compares to RGFP as a regional community-focused food-systems nonprofit with farmer and family support programming.

Others

• Valley Roots Food Hub: San Luis Valley-based online marketplace aggregating 188 producers for the Fresh Box program. Though an active RGFP partner, it functions as a peer in the regional food-infrastructure ecosystem rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture: Major nonprofit farm and education center in New York's Hudson Valley running diversified regenerative agriculture, on-site programming, and an incubator. Operates at much larger scale than RGFP but mirrors the multi-program education-farm model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/riograndefarmpark
• Instagraminstagram.com/riograndefarmpark
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rio-grande-farm-park

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rio Grande Farm Park