Welcome to CODECE

The Cooperative Development Center

The Cooperative Development Center of New Mexico creates and supports sustainable lifestyles for Nuevo Mexicanos and others through organic agriculture, heritage and cultural tourism and affordable housing.

The cooperative model assumes that integrating organic agriculture, cultural tourism and affordable housing into a comprehensive regional plan is a strong approach in promoting and conserving the unique heritage and culture of Nuevo Mexicano families and other communities.

This model will provide an economic base for long-term sustainability by meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.  We are re-focusing existing resources to achieve a 21st century income and sustainable lifestyles for traditional land-based communities.

The cooperative model has been an established form of working together for the common good among Nuevo Mexicanos for several centuries. Communal land grants and acequias—community-owned irrigation systems—have been in place in New Mexico since Spanish colonization began in 1598.

In addition, Native American communities up and down the Rio Grande Basin and across New Mexico used communal irrigation systems for centuries before European colonization occurred. This communal model was, and is, also an integral part of Native Americans social and religious practices.

CODECE began operations in fall, 2010, in Truchas, New Mexico. In less than two years, CODECE has helped create five co-ops and has identified six other communities who have expressed interest in forming co-ops with CODECE support.