Buyers

Becoming a Wholesale Buyer

If you are a business or institution and would like to purchase from Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network, email produce@agri-cultura.org to get set up on our system.

Ordering

Local Food Marketplace is always available for buyers to view. Inventory is updated constantly.

The store opens for orders on Wednesday at 8am. Customers must place their orders by 12 PM Friday afternoon. We take orders on a first come, first served basis. Order early for best availability.

We deliver statewide, with delivery fee and order minimums based on distance.

Delivery Fees

  • $35 delivery fee for in-town orders up to 10 miles from the South Valley Economic Development Center

  • Out-of-town delivery fee can range from $200 up to $450 depending on distance

Minimum Order Size

  • $200 is the minimum order size for delivery within the Albuquerque area, i.e., within 10 miles of the South Valley Economic Development Center

  • $500 is the minimum order size for delivery outside of the Albuquerque area

Reach out to produce@agri-cultura.org for additional details.

Delivery Schedule

Pick up or delivery can be scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We work with buyers to arrange day and time of pick up or delivery.

FAQs

I am not a business or institution. May I place orders through the Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network?

Unfortunately no. We suggest that individuals and households subscribe to a CSA program such as La Cosecha CSA, shop at their local farmers market (such as La Familia Growers Market or South Valley Growers’ Market), or visit a local farm stand!

When and where does the Food Hub deliver?

We deliver throughout the state of New Mexico. Orders are delivered Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Please visit our Delivery Schedule above for more details.

My business only purchases food produced locally, grown with organic methods and without harmful chemicals or GMO’s. How can I learn more about a farm’s growing practices?

As a farmer-led cooperative, the Agri‑Cultura Cooperative Network upholds strict standards related to production, processing, and labor practices. All of the growers, both member and ally farms, are either certified organic or grow in ways that are sustainable and follow organic practices. Farm practices include: 

  • Integrated Pest Management 

  • No spray or use of only organic-approved sprays

  • Methods of soil building through cover cropping, composting, and use of organic amendments 

  • Strict adherence to food safety principles

  • Provide a living wage and safe working environment for all staff

  • Community and environmental leadership through growing operation

Buyers are encouraged to learn about each farm’s production methods by visiting Our Farmers page or contacting them directly. 

What should I do if I’m not happy with my order?

Buyers must notify the Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network at produce@agri-cultura.org within 24 hours of delivery should any part of an order be incomplete or damaged. Buyers must report concerns or complaints immediately and include a photo of the product in the original packaging to ensure issues can be resolved.

I’m looking for a specific farm or product.

A list of product categories can be found on Local Food Marketplace. Please contact and let us know if you are looking for a specific item. We’re here to help connect you with local food.

What about food safety?

The Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network is USDA Harmonized GAP+ Certified. Agri-Cultura emphasizes food safety as well as its strong commitment to product quality. Our Food Safety Program includes: 

  • Regular on-farm food safety inspections covering water use, sanitization of harvest tools and equipment, produce washing procedures, organic and sustainable growing practices, farmer training processes

  • Follow-up meetings with farmers throughout the season to provide technical assistance and monitoring 

  • All produce sold through the network is processed at the Mixing Bowl, an FDA registered commercial kitchen, at the South Valley Economic Development Center. It is packaged to customer specifications and delivered. Most produce is coming from within 200 miles of the South Valley Economic Development Center.

  • All produce sold through Agri-Cultura Network is covered under our $3 million liability insurance.

MEMBER OF

Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network is Harmonized GAP+ certified

Why work with a Food Hub?

The Agricultura Cooperative Network was created to address a need in our communities throughout New Mexico. We provide aggregation, processing and distribution of the freshest seasonal produce directly from New Mexico farmers to businesses and institutions, working with each farmer and buyer at a personal level to create long-lasting, sustainable relationships. This benefits New Mexico’s farmers, buyers, our environment and communities. Here’s how:

The Buyers

  • When you order from Agri-Cultura Network you are purchasing nutritious, local, and minimally processed. Much produce is coming from within 200 miles of the South Valley Economic Development Center. It is currently sources from 18 counties around New Mexico.

  • Bulk quantities of specialty crops are available through collective aggregation. Contact us to learn more.

  • As the first food hub in New Mexico to be USDA Harmonized GAP Plus+ Certified, we maintain the highest food safety standards available.

  • Buyers have access to many more unique varieties of vegetables and fruits than are typically available in the commodity market.

  • Buyers contribute to building New Mexico’s small-scale farming economy.

The Farmers

  • Through aggregation, these small farms are able to collectively meet the large demands of institutions and wholesale outlets that would not be attainable by one small farm alone.

  • The Agri-Cultura Network works closely with the farmers to assist in building the capacity of their farms through food safety training and other forms of technical assistance. 

  • Empowers farmers to nurture their farms’ business growth.

  • As a food hub, ACN provides shared infrastructure for local farms to increase sales and reduce labor costs and food waste.

  • Selling through Agri-Cultura Network opens up new markets for farmers to deal directly with businesses and institutional buyers who seek local products.

  • Farm production methods are transparent and food is traceable to the farm. Food is valued and not treated as a commodity.

The Environment

  • Fewer “food miles” from farm to customer significantly decreases carbon emissions.

  • Our farming network is committed to protecting our water supply using healthy soil principles, maintaining acequia water rights, and conserving water use.

  • Supporting local farms helps decrease the use of synthetic fertilizers and support the integration of more organic growing practices.

  • Small farms support greater plant and wildlife diversity, pollinator habitat, and farming practices which steward and build healthy soils.

The Community

Purchasing local food from Agri-Cultura [COOPERATIVE] Network…

  • Keeps food dollars in the South Valley and in New Mexico

  • Supports development of farm capacity

  • Increases access to locally grown produce through widespread distribution

  • Supports ACN and La Cosecha CSA in providing education and community events

  • Strengthening the agrarian and cultural heritage of our land through the self determination of our people.

  • Supports local farms by building just relationships within the farm system

  • Increases food sovereignty in New Mexico

  • Maintains cultural and traditional farming practices in New Mexico

  • Creates jobs and boosts the local economy