Chelenzo Farms

Chelenzo Farms, located around twenty miles south of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a model of sustainable agriculture. Our farm employs principles of permaculture, soil health, and agroecology, centering around three core pillars: research, education, and community. Specializing in dryland farming, we are deeply committed to cultivating agave and native plants.

Agave offers diverse applications, from distillation into liquor to conversion into livestock feed and textiles. Remarkably, 75% of the 200 known varieties of agave have been cultivated in Mexico for millennia. These plants play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of pollinators in the American Southwest and along the Mexican border, especially in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. Among these pollinators is the endangered Mexican long-nosed bat, but agave also attracts hawkmoths, hummingbirds, bees, and wasps.

Agave plants utilize a unique form of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), allowing them to be remarkably water-efficient. By operating their photosynthetic processes predominantly at night, CAM succulents like agave reduce water loss and are well-adapted to store water during summer rains, making them drought-resistant. This adaptation helps agricultural producers in arid regions buffer against climate fluctuations.

We grow various CAM succulents such as agave, cholla, cactus, yucca, and desert spoon, alongside other drought-tolerant native plants to enrich biodiversity and bolster local ecosystems. Adhering to organic and permaculture methods, our farm does not employ chemical herbicides or fertilizers. We have innovatively implemented Indigenous-inspired water conservation techniques and cultivate dryland crops that thrive with minimal water use. We also engage actively with the community by hosting workshops and supporting local farmers, with the vision of showcasing a sustainable agricultural model that fosters appreciation for native species and ecosystems.