Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Ajo CSA) has been working to create a sustainable and just local food system in Ajo, AZ and surrounding region since 2008. Our programs include Ajo Gardeners Network, Authentically Ajo Farmers Market (accepting WIC, SNAP and Double Up Bucks), and Many Hands Learning Center. We preserve traditional Native American crops through the citizen seed conservation program Adopt-A-Sonoran-Desert-Crop.

Celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, we have developed a robust network of strong individuals and organizations growing, consuming and educating about local foods (Ajo's distributed agriculture model). From a town where only 2 people grew backyard gardens in 2007, we now support over 250 families (or one seventh of all Ajo households!) through seasonal distributions of seeds, seedlings, compost, as well as free TA, workshops and networking opportunities. We also work with 400 students at the Ajo Unified School District and 50 students at the Tohono O'odham High School in San Simon on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, teaching them about native crops of the area, sustainable agriculture methods, cultural importance of agriculture and healthy eating habits. Just in 2017, we developed a new Incubator Farm project, started a beginning farmer program called "Growing Our Own", and an agricultural careers-based Ag Club at the Ajo High School. We specialize in preservation of Native American crops and agricultural techniques of the area, and help raise awareness of those with the grower-participation seed conservation program called "Adopt-A-Sonoran-Desert-Crop". We are a founding member of the Ajo Regional Food Partnership, and partner regionally on events such as Tohono O'odham Youth Ag Day, Arizona Small Producers Forum and Southwest Indigenous Foodways Gathering, Sonoran Desert Symposium and Baja Arizona Pomegranate Festival. Our weekly producers-only "Authentically Ajo" farmers market has created a reliable alternative food distribution point, allowing access to low-income customers, and has incubated over 90 local microbusiness. To celebrate the food abundance of our multi-cultural community, we organize the annual Ajo Food Festival which is the largest Ajo festival with over 1,000 visitors.

Testimonials

2017 SW Indigenous Foodways Gathering

"I was really impressed with the movement to return to self-sufficiency. We have a combination of Indigenous, Hispanic, and European traditions of hunting, growing, preparing, and preserving in our area. I plan to spend more time learning the traditions of all three. I thought the conference was very helpful and plan to attend the next one."

"This event was fantastic! The speakers were excellent and inspiring, there were many networking opportunities, and the food served was exemplary. I answered questions regarding all of the events in which I participated (which did not include youth culinary activities). The plant medicine and seed exchange were two highlights among many."

Authentically Ajo Farmers Market

"My girls and I had fun at The Farmers Market! Got myself some nice earrings. My eldest daughter bought popcorn and some Christmas gifts and my baby girl got some cool patches. Famers market has something for everyone."

"The farmers market is an amazing asset to Ajo - a chance to buy farm-fresh food and locally made treats and crafts, but also a great place to encounter the interesting folks of Ajo. As a resident, I love what the market brings to my town. As the manager of a local hotel, the market is a key attraction for my guests. Come check it out!"