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The June Agriculture Collaborative meeting featured a trip to ARCA Organics. Learn more

Supporting Local Foods and Farms

The Mid-Region Council of Governments is committed to improving the sustainability and profitability of small and medium-scale agriculture in New Mexico’s mid-region.  This includes local produce, meat, dairy, and value-added products.  By supporting local foods, we are supporting the farmers, the land, the sourcing of local products by food service companies, and most important, the consumption of local foods.

Agriculture Collaborative 

The Agriculture Collaborative, hosted by the MRCOG, is a dynamic group committed to sustaining and promoting local food and agriculture in New Mexico's mid-region.  We host free monthly meetings, expert speakers, and special events.   Learn more about the Agriculture Collaborative here. 

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8.  See our Local Food Events Calendar for more information.

Resources and Features

• Resources and Frequently Asked Questions for farmers and ranchers, backyards growers, and more.  
• The Local Food Events Calender
• The Local Food Blog, which allows you to stay informed about all facets of local agriculture through new articles each week on a variety of exciting topics.
• Local Food Connections, our monthly e-newsletter.  Sign up today to receive the freshest news on local foods and agriculture delivered right to your inbox each month.
The annual Local Food Festival and Field Day.
Farmers' and growers' markets in our mid-region
• The Local Foods Maps, which help you find local foods at markets, retailers, and restaurants; resources for growing your own foods; and Agri-tourism events in our region.
• And the Local Food Glossary

Agriculture information is also available from the Agriculture menu above.  You can access this page directly at localfoodnm.org.  

Region and History

New Mexico's agricultural traditions, which date back over 3,000 years, are still prevalent today in both urban and rural communities. Like many arid landscapes, the availability of water has played a major role in the development of human settlements and agriculture throughout New Mexico. This can be seen in the traditional acequia irrigation systems found in most communities across the state, many of which are still in use today.

New Mexico’s mid-region, made up of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties, is the most populous and developed area in the state and is home to a variety of urban centers including Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. While the mid-region becomes increasingly urbanized, many continue to value the traditional agricultural economy and landscapes, made up of small and medium-sized farms. 

Going Local

The primary agricultural products produced in the region are cattle, forage, and dairy. However, with the rise of consumer interest in local foods, a spotlight has been given to producers of local fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Unfortunately, demand exceeds the available supply. 

Some of the challenges to growing local produce are:

• diminishing farm lands,
• an uncertain future water supply,
• fewer full-time farmers, and
• soaring land values. 

However, by nurturing the demand; supporting farmers' and growers' markets; finding larger markets for local products, such as schools, restaurants, and as ingredients in local foods; we open new doors, support new sustainable businesses, and keep our agricultural tradition intact.   

Contact: Ann Simon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )