Sustainable agriculture both promotes and is enhanced by biodiversity.

The Earth functions like an incredibly complex machine, and there don't appear to be any unnecessary parts. Each species -- from the lowliest microbe to humans -- plays a part in keeping the planet running smoothly. Each part is related. If a lot of those parts suddenly vanish, then the machine that is Earth can't function properly.  

Las Cruces is a food desert and its time to take action.

Defined by the USDA, food deserts are parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.

With a diminishing number of millennials interested in farming, is America facing a farming crisis?

The “Love the People, Feed the People of Las Cruces” campaign, sponsored by Chihuahuan Desert Charities, has begun!  The campaign will run until October 1st. Proceeds will support the DYGUP & SUSTAIN Program at Legacy Farm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Love the People, Feed the People of Las Cruces!

Las Cruces, New Mexico - August 27, 2018

When vacant lots become farm plots in the city, the local community benefits from seizing more control over their nutritional options.

Humans have a right to define their own food and agriculture systems. This food sovereignty is the right of humans to have culturally appropriate food that is healthy and produced through ecologically-sound, sustainable methods. The DYGUP & Sustain program we sponsor at Chihuahuan Desert Charities is a crash-course in sustainable farming methodology. With a strong focus on soil health and techniques for cultivation in a desert environment.

Are our children suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder?

Yes! Children are spending 40-65 hours a week using electronics and fewer than 1 in 5 children walk or ride a bike to school.  Childhood obesity has increased from 4% in 1960 to 20% today. Children have less time for unstructured, creative play in the outdoors than ever before in human history.

How do we make a big change to our current patterns?

How are urban farms the answer to growing a sustainable city?  

Urban farms are providing solutions to a myriad of urban ills.  Such as blighted vacant lots, food insecurity, stormwater runoff, and declining neighborhoods.  Over 50% of the world's population live in cities. Our city dwellers are having increased difficulty accessing fresh healthy foods, bringing high rates of malnutrition and obesity.  With that comes increased health disparities. Including increased rates of diabetes, heart disease, and cancers.

How do we encourage more biodiversity-friendly farms in the age of monoculture?