Santa Fe County administrative offices and facilities will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, 2024. We will reopen with regular business hours on Monday, December 2. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Agriculture

Agriculture

Santa Fe County’s agricultural heritage spans over three centuries and has significantly shaped local communities. Today, agriculture remains a vital part of the county’s culture, history, and rural economy. Opportunities in urban areas focus on value-added industries utilizing the county’s agricultural products.

Industry Trends

According to the 2022 agricultural census, there are approximately 591 farms and ranches in the county, covering 494,844 acres, or 41% of the county’s total land area. The majority of this land (over 95%) is pastureland, with the remainder used for cropland. Most farms are small, with 68% under 50 acres and 49% less than 10 acres. Larger farms and ranches (over 1,000 acres) are rare, representing only 8% of all farms in the county.

Despite a decline in overall agricultural production, Santa Fe County hosts a variety of value-added agriculture companies, including the state’s second-largest tortilla factory, salsa and southwestern food producers, breweries, and distilleries. The county also boasts numerous farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and local food events. There is a growing emphasis on enhancing procurement from local agricultural enterprises to strengthen the value-added agricultural economy, retail sector, and local culture and tourism.