High-quality farmers markets of all sizes can be found in New Mexico. Some have been around since the late 1960s, and others are relatively new, just starting in the 2010s. Whatever the size or length of their existence, all the markets strive to serve their communities with healthy food, crafts, and a good time! Here are four great spots to visit when visiting the Land of Enchantment.
Santa Fe Farmers Market
Voted one of America’s Top 10 Farmers Markets by Sunset Magazine, the Santa Fe Farmers Market (SFFM) has grown tremendously since its humble beginning in the late 1960s. It started when a group of local farmers began selling produce out of their trucks.
For the past 25 years, the market has been located in the Santa Fe Railyards (1607 Paseo de Peralta), where it remains a Saturday mainstay from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — all year round. On Sundays, the site is home to a popular Artisan Market (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Photo Courtesy Santa Fe Farmers’ Market
Each week, the SFFM hosts 60–105 farmers and producers, depending on the time of year, from 15 northern New Mexico counties. As part of its mission to promote regional small farms and sustainable agriculture, the market ensures that 100% of the vegetables, fruits, and nursery plants on sale hail from northern New Mexico.
Furthermore, it mandates that at least 70% of the ingredients and materials used to make items come from northern New Mexico. Artisan makers and vendors must be New Mexico residents, too.
SFFM has its version of a Community Supported Agriculture program called “My Market AG Bag,” which allows subscribers to get a weekly bag of farm-fresh produce. The subscriptions are divided into four different seasons annually. To keep the vendor’s fee low, the SFFM generates revenue by operating two cafes and a gift shop.
Photo Courtesy Santa Fe Farmers’ Market
Taos Farmers Market
Another popular, long-running New Mexico farmers market is in Taos, which began in 1973. In 2023, the market moved to a new location in the Taos County Courthouse Parking Lot (105 Albright Street) to have more space for vendors and better access for the public. This move coincided with its 50th anniversary. Typically holding around 50 vendors weekly, the market operates on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 11–Oct. 26 and 9 a.m. to noon for the first four Saturdays in November.
Photo Courtesy Taos Farmers Market
During peak season, the market draws an estimated 1,000 people to explore the diverse produce, products, and cultures found in Taos County and its surrounding areas of Costilla, Colfax, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Sandoval, and Rio Arriba. Besides its array of farm-fresh and locally prepared foods, flowers, teas, and herbs, the market presents live music and even puppetry and provides a booth for a nonprofit each week.
The Taos and Santa Fe Farmers Markets are also among the farmers markets involved in a state-wide initiative called FreshRX. This Produce Prescription Program, which is run by the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, offers incentives for patients to purchase New Mexico-grown produce to supplement their medical care. Participating health clinics supply food vouchers to patients as a way to combat chronic health issues and food insecurity.
Photo Courtesy New Mexico Farmers Market Association
Silver City Farmers Market
The Silver City Farmers’ Market (SCFM) is another New Mexico farmers market participating in the FreshRX program. Located in southwestern New Mexico, SCFM is held all year round on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Main Street between 11th and 12th Streets. It concentrates on giving agricultural producers and processors from Grant and Catron County the opportunity to sell their items to the public.
SCFM’s community spirit doesn’t solely revolve around promoting its regular stable of local farmers.
It offers a “community table” where folks can see what it takes to be an ongoing vendor at the market. The table also provides small growers a chance to sell their products for a Saturday or two.
Another interesting SCFM feature is its Seed Library. Each week, community members can get seeds, leave seeds, or simply learn about the entire process. The market also welcomes a handful of artists and craftspeople to demonstrate and sell their work weekly.
Photo Courtesy Silver City Farmers’ Market
Questa Farmers Market
Beginning in 2016 as the Northern NM Growers and Makers Exchange, the Questa Farmers Market (QFM) ranks among the newer farmers markets in New Mexico. Despite its recent start, it has seen significant growth since beginning less than a year ago. According to the Questa Del Rio News, vendor revenue has jumped from $9,500 in 2017 to $66,448 in 2023.
Photo Courtesy Questa Farmers Market
Questa’s Farmers Market specifically aims to support and boost land- and home-based businesses of northern Taos County. However, its community support also extends to having programs such as paid youth internships, adult mentorship, and distributing local food through the North Central Food Pantry. Another unique project is “Voices de Aqui,” which collects local stories to share with the community.
QFM is held in the Questa Visitor Center Parking Area (1 NM 38). The 2024 season runs on Sundays (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) from May 26 to Oct. 6, although how late into the year it goes depends on local food production.
