Healthy Archuleta kicked off the 2025-20226 Growers and Producers Forum season on October 16. This first meeting focused on healthy soil and why it is important for the health and vitality of our plants as well as for ourselves. Those who attended the forum discussed what the term ‘healthy soil’ means, ways to improve soils for gardening and some of the resources available here in Archuleta County to reach that goal.
When growing our plants, especially the ones we consume as food, the health of our soil plays an important role in the health of our plants. Studies have shown that the components that make up our soil directly affects the nutritional density of the food we eat. The healthy soil we grow in should be characterized by rich organic matter, balanced nutrients, diverse microbial populations, and good structure. In turn healthy soil supports nutrient dense crops, beneficial microbes and environmental quality, all of which contribute to human health.
The purpose of the Growers and Producers Forum is many fold, but the primary one is to produce food locally and to support those who do so. There are a number of commercial crop and meat producers in our county who work tirelessly to produce fresh local food. There are also many of our residents who, every spring, get out their seed catalogs, shovels and wheelbarrows, and begin the process of growing their food. Even with the challenges of the short growing season, wildlife, and cool nights, these intrepid gardeners all understand one thing – homegrown is the best. It bares repeating here that growing local foods accomplishes several things:
1) growing locally benefits the environment,
2) purchasing local food benefits the economy,
3) reduced reliance on outside resources, and
4) increased sustainability.
Another important benefit in growing our own food is being able to share what we grow with our community, especially with those experiencing food insecurity. Whether we grow in our own yards/homes, or participate as a grower or volunteer at one of our community gardens, produce can be donated to local food pantries so that everyone has the chance to eat fresh food.
Healthy Archuleta is dedicated to helping others learn about and experience the benefits of growing fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, Healthy Archuleta continues to support the local charitable food system by operating several indoor hydroponic growing systems, allowing for fresh greens and herbs to be produced year round.
If you are interested in learning more about growing your own food, how to start a garden, or want to know more about our local food producing community, you can attend any of our upcoming Growers and Producers Forums. The forums are held every other month, starting in September through May. We take a break in the summer months as folks are working hard in their gardens and on farms and ranches.
The next Growers and Producers Forum meeting will be held Thursday, November 13, from 4:00 to 5:30pm and will meet at the Methodist Church on Lewis Street. Our program will focus on growing fruit trees, particularly ones that do well in our region. The meetings are free to attend. For more information, please visit our website at www.foodcoalition4Archuleta.org. To find out more about the local food producers network, click on Resources on the drop down menu and click on Local Food Producers.