The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute will host a special farm tour and luncheon on May 31, 2026, to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This event features two female-led farms in Northern New Mexico, offering guests the chance to meet the women who manage local land and help sustain to the regional food system.
The Santa Fe School of Cooking will create an exclusive guest luncheon with local ingredients following the farm visits. This program highlights the Institute’s commitment to supporting local agriculture and the farmers who sustain the community.
WHAT ARE THE EVENT DETAILS FOR THE WOMAN FARMER TOUR?
In short: Depart from the Railyard Water Tower at 9 a.m. for a guided bus tour of two Northern New Mexico farms. Enjoy a Santa Fe School of Cooking chef-prepared meal featuring regional products before returning to the Railyard in the afternoon.
- Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. departure
- Location: Meets at the Railyard Water Tower, Santa Fe, NM
- Transportation: Round-trip travel is included via an air-conditioned motorcoach.
- Dining: A locally sourced luncheon prepared by the Santa Fe School of Cooking.
- Registration: Tickets are available for individuals and businesses; seating is very limited.
- Tickets: The $250 ticket price includes round-trip transportation, farm tours, refreshments, and lunch at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.
WHY ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER TOUR?
- Support Local Agriculture: Proceeds and participation help the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute continue its mission to support local farmers and provide Local Food For All
- Direct Connection: Engage with agricultural experts on-site to understand the challenges and successes of farming in a high-desert climate.
- Exclusive Experience: Access private farm locations and a curated meal not available to the general public.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE SANTA FE FARMERS’ MARKET INSTITUTE?
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute’s mission is to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and other land-based producers; provide equitable access to fresh, local food; own and operate a year-round venue for the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market; and manage programs to help sustain a profitable, locally-based agricultural community. The institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This tour is part of the Institute’s broader community program efforts to connect the public with local producers and educate consumers on the importance of a resilient local food system.
By buying a ticket, you support programs that help farmers thrive in Northern New Mexico’s unique environment while ensuring the community has access to fresh, locally grown food throughout the year.
Donate to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute or volunteer.
ATTEND THE WOMAN FARMER TOUR
This event directly supports Santa Fe’s local food economy. By attending, you directly support the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute and help bring visibility to the women essential to the region’s agricultural heritage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW ARE THE FEATURED FARMS SELECTED FOR THIS TOUR?
The Institute selects farms that demonstrate excellence in stewardship and represent the diversity of agriculture in Northern New Mexico. For this event, the focus is specifically on female operators to align with the International Year of the Woman Farmer. These farms play a vital role in providing the fresh produce found at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. Each stop on the tour is chosen to provide a comprehensive look at different agricultural techniques, from crop rotation to soil health management, highlighting how these women maintain productivity in a challenging high-altitude landscape.
WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS SERVED AT THE LUNCHEON?
The Santa Fe School of Cooking designed the menu based on what is seasonally available from Northern New Mexico farmers and ranchers in late May. You can expect dishes that emphasize locally grown produce and products sourced directly from local producers. This exclusive luncheon is curated to provide a direct link between the land and the table. While the menu is fixed to highlight specific local harvests, the chef will work to accommodate dietary preferences and food allergies. Please contact the Institute directly if you have specific dietary concerns.
DO I NEED TO PROVIDE MY OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE FARMS?
No. The event fee includes transportation on a professional motorcoach to ensure all guests arrive at the rural locations safely and comfortably. Navigating to remote farm sites can be difficult, so the Institute provides this service to streamline the experience. The bus departs from the Santa Fe Railyard Water Tower promptly at 9 a.m. and will return guests to the same location after the luncheon. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and the company of fellow community members without the stress of driving or parking at multiple rural sites.
CAN LOCAL BUSINESSES SPONSOR OR JOIN THE TOUR?
Yes. Tickets are available for both individuals and businesses. Sponsorship options are also available. Supporting this event allows local businesses to demonstrate their commitment to New Mexico’s agricultural community and the sustainability of our regional food sources. Business participation is a key part of the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute’s mission, as corporate support helps fund essential infrastructure for local producers. Because the tours are held on active, working farms, tickets are strictly limited to a small group. It is highly recommended to buy tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly.
WILL THE LUNCHEON ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
The Santa Fe School of Cooking focuses on seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients to create the event menu. While the meal is fixed to highlight specific local harvests from Northern New Mexico, the chef will work to accommodate dietary preferences and food allergies. If you have specific dietary concerns, it is best to contact the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute before booking at (505) 983-7726 or [email protected].
This article was posted by Jess
