The Cheese Box is the manifestation of a dream to teach New Mexican cheesemakers how to create small-batch chevre, nurtured from the milk of New Mexico's goats and sheep, and aged to perfection. This initiative aims foster a sustainable, collaborative network, bringing exceptional cheese to our community.

The Cheese Box project anticipates proposal approval in April 2025, with location secured by June and the inaugural members of the PASTORAL sheep and goat milk collective confirmed by July. Equipment installation should be completed by Fall 2025. Recipe development and training will take place in early 2026, leading the first batch of cheese available by June 2026.

The Cheese Box project, with a $250,000 budget, has secured $200,000 for equipment, but requires additional funding to secure a location in Albuquerque, support milk transportation, and hire a skilled cheesemaker/affineur. We are seeking $50,000 in seed money to bridge the remaining funding gap and bring this vital local cheese initiative to fruition.