Local Honey

Check out the first ever Local Food Festival and Field Day 2008, sponsored by the Mid-Region Council of Governments. 

Supporting local food and farms is a primary tenet of the Mid-Region Council of Government’s agriculture program.  Here you can find information on farmers' and growers' markets in the region, and information for growers and land owners on how to sell your product, how to increase your profits, how to save water, and how to conserve farmland.  We also host monthly meetings that are free and open to anyone: the Agriculture Collaborative.

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

A special feature of the website is the Local Food Blog. The blog allows you to stay informed about all facets of local agriculture.  You can learn about upcoming meetings and special events; get to know the individuals and organizations growing, processing, and promoting local food; stay up to date on policies affecting local agriculture; and learn where you can eat-out or eat-in while supporting local products.

Supporting Local Foods and Farms

The MRCOG 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 by you, the consumer.

The Agriculture Collaborative is hosted by the Mid-Region Council of Governments and provides a forum for those interested in food and agriculture in our region.  We have free monthly meetings, expert speakers, and special events.   We welcome you to attend.

The Challenges

New Mexico’s mid-region is the most populous and developed area in the state. While the region becomes increasingly urbanized, many continue to value the traditional agricultural economy, made up of small and medium-sized farms, some of which still use ancient acequias for irrigation.  The primary agricultural products produced 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. 

Let’s Get Growing!

For both livestock and crops, there are conventional and organic producers. If you are a producer interested in organic certification, the New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission is the state agency responsible for certification.  

If you are interested in creating a product that uses a raw agricultural ingredient, you may need a commercial kitchen.  New Mexico State University has great resources for those food processors interested in testing a product.  

For backyard gardeners or smaller farm crop producers, this website will help you find answers to questions and put you in touch with a host of resources to help you with everything from getting more value from your product to extending the growing season.  Let’s get growing!

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