Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of over $52 million in support of the growing organic industry nationwide and local and regional food systems through five U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs.

The Secretary noted that several programs and organizations in New Mexico will share in nearly $1 million of those grant funds, part of an effort to aid family farm and ranch operations and to strengthen opportunities within rural New Mexico communities through regional food networks.

"Local and regional food systems are one of the pillars of our efforts to revitalize rural economies," said Secretary Vilsack. He announced the grant awards during ceremonies at the Virginia State Fair last weekend.

The money is being provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Farmers Marketing and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP).

"Consumers are increasingly demanding more local and organic options. Investing in local and regional food systems supports the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, especially smaller operations, while strengthening economies in communities across the country...[and] will also improve access to fresh, healthy food for millions of Americans."

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New Mexico State University was awarded the lion's share of the funds in New Mexico and will receive $499,191 to improve competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers across the state. Several organizations in New Mexico will share the remaining $538,279 in federal grants to help develop new markets for agricultural products.

“Connecting our communities to their local farmers and produce markets increases options for families to purchase healthy, locally-grown food, and it helps boost the economy at the same time,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in a joint statement with Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) announcing the grants.

Market and promotion support

The lawmakers said the 2014 Farm Bill created the OREI grant program and increased funding for marketing and promotion support for local food enterprises, with the intent of helping to develop more opportunities for new and small farmers and producers.

“Through investments in marketing outreach and training, small family farmers and ranchers – especially in our rural and tribal communities – will have the tools necessary to attract more business while providing fresh food options to New Mexicans," Heinrich added.

USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) awarded over $27 million in competitive grants to expand marketing through the new Local Food Marketing Promotion Program (LFPP) and the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP).

LFPP will invest millions annually in marketing and promotion activities for local food enterprises including food hubs, aggregation businesses, local food processors, farm to institution activities and other similar efforts. FMPP makes annual investments in marketing and promotion activities for farmers markets, CSAs and other direct producer-to-consumer outlets for local food.

"These Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program grants provide farmers and ranchers around the country with tools to reach consumers, strengthen ties between urban and rural communities, and help meet the growing demand for locally and regionally produced food," said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo.

Funding

The 2014 FMLFPP funding in New Mexico is as follows: