What they grow:
Nicholas Petrovic at Apogee Spirulina grows spirulina — an edible and nutritious blue-green algae — in Santa Fe using the small-scale French artisan method, which Nic went to France specifically to learn. While spirulina does not currently fall under organic certification (Nic is working to change that), his spirulina is naturally pesticide- and herbicide-free. (Read about the health benefits of spirulina here.)
Nicholas Petrovic went to France to learn the small-scale, artisanal method to grow spirulina.
Where they sell:
Contact information:
Learn more about Apogee Spirulina:
Nic has been farming spirulina in two large greenhouses since 2015. But even with greenhouse production, he says growing a consistent product is his greatest challenge, especially with seasonal changes. Researchers at New Mexico State University are also interested in this challenge, and are working with Nic to analyze the impacts that seasonal temperature and light conditions have on spirulina nutrition.
Interns from Santa Fe Community College work with Nic to produce the crop that they grow, extrude, and dry into “crunchies”, which are then packaged for sale. Shoppers can eat the crunchies by adding them to smoothies, sprinkling atop salads, or enjoying them directly from the bag.
Spirulina can be added to smoothies, sprinkled on salads, or eaten directly from the bag.
Nic’s future plans are to expand his operation to six greenhouses, and continue to hold workshops where he can “share the love of spirulina” with others. He has had workshop participants travel from as far away as Australia to learn his techniques.
There are several reasons Nic enjoys farming spirulina. Beyond being able to use his product in his favorite recipe, Vegan Chocolate Spirulina Balls (browse all of Nic’s recipes here), his farm gives him plenty of time to pursue two of his favorite interests: hiking and napping.
Growing spirulina is naturally pesticide- and fertilizer-free, and after an initial tank fill, only requires water levels to be topped off periodically.
Dear friend, am Daniel S. Peña. How do I buy your product? We live in Deming, NM. Do you ship your product? I love the fact that you are focused on a healthy product.
I would also like to tell you that my son, Manny Peña, is a student at NMSU in Las Cruces. He is taking a business course in a program called Arrowhead. His professor told him and the rest of the students to interview people who are in business to learn how it is done. May I send you the 15 question interview? It is about fencing which might not apply to you; but, the management of crops is one of our concerns. We too are focused on healthy foods. We have a small garden and are setting up a larger garden for next season so we can grow vegetables. I love home grown foods having been raised on a farm in the Mimbres Valley. I have much to learn though and would love your insight. Thank you so much. Daniel S. Pena 325-212-0003
Hello Daniel. The contact information is in the article above. You can either call them at the number provided or email them using the link above.