Natural and organic foods retailer Sunflower Farmers Markets plans to open its 26th store in Albuquerque, N.M., on July 29, joining two existing locations already in the city.

Albuquerque was home to the inaugural store in the Sunflower chain, and a fourth location in the area will be added in 2010. Sunflower also plans two new markets for Santa Fe, N.M., next year.

“We are eager to expand our ‘Serious Food at Silly Prices’ grocery store concept in Albuquerque, as this is where our success first started,” said Mike Gilliland, Sunflower’s founder and CEO. “New Mexico residents are aware of the benefits of eating quality food, yet are savvy enough to look for good values, especially during these challenging economic times.”

Boulder, Colo.-based Sunflower Farmers Markets operates 25 stores in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Texas.