Connecting to the Land
Connecting the Land: Harvest to Basket Farm Tour is designed to support local food systems and strengthen the connection between the community and local farmers. This collaborative effort between El Paso County, Visit El Paso, Somos Frontera, and the Rio Grande Colonias Regional Food Business Center will offer participants the opportunity to meet farmers, learn more about where food comes from, and explore a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle. The tour includes visits to Bodega Loya, Chuco Town Farms, and JC Pecan Farms. Rio Grande Trails and Tales is proud to promote this event.
Harvest to Basket Farm Tour Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meeting Location: Bodega Loya, 10257 Socorro Rd., Socorro, TX 79927 The event is free, but space is limited. Transportation from Downtown to Bodega Loya is available for those coming from West El Paso. For more information, contact nochoa@destinationelpaso.com.
Farming is El Paso’s oldest industry, spanning over 400 years and forming the foundation of the region’s economic and cultural development. The fertile Mesilla Valley, watered by the Rio Grande, became a crucial hub for Spanish missionaries who introduced irrigation, vineyards, and agriculture, setting the stage for El Paso’s modern position as a major producer of Pima cotton and pecans.
Key historical impacts of farming in El Paso include:
- Colonial Foundation: Agriculture was established in the 17th century by Spanish settlers, with vineyards and grape production becoming significant as early as the 1650s in the El Paso del Norte area.
- Irrigation and Expansion: The construction of sophisticated irrigation systems, including the Acequia Madre, enabled consistent cultivation in the arid environment, fostering the growth of permanent settlements.
- Cultural and Economic Significance: Agriculture was the main economic activity. The area, known for its vineyards, produced highly regarded wine and brandy, which became a key export, alongside maize and fruit.
- The Bracero Program: In the 20th century, El Paso was a major processing center for the Bracero Program (1942-1964), with Rio Vista Farm in nearby Socorro processing over 80,000 Mexican agricultural laborers annually, cementing the area’s role in the US-Mexico labor movement.
- Agricultural Output: Today, the region continues this legacy as the largest producer of Pima cotton and improved variety pecans in Texas.
- Early Agriculture: Evidence of farming in the area dates back over 5,000 years to the ancient inhabitants of the Keystone site.