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1. Why should I include local items on my menu?

There are a variety of reasons to include locally grown items on your menu:

• Locally grown foods are the freshest, allowing you to cook with a higher quality product that has superior color, taste and texture compared to foods that were picked too early and shipped from far away. This translates into a better tasting and looking meal for your customers, and increased customer satisfaction.
• Going local allows you to expand your business by entering into a new niche market, bringing in new customers. According to a survey of chefs by the National Restaurant Association, locally grown produce is the number one hot trend in restaurants for 2009. Also, with the rise in the local food movement customers are seeking out more than ever restaurants that serve locally grown goods.
• If you are a school or other institution, serving fresh picked local foods can increase the nutritional profile of your menu and help to promote healthy eating habits.

2. How do I find locally grown ingredients?

Farmers markets are the best place to start, as you can meet local growers and see what crops are available each month during the growing season. From there you can:

• Collaborate with a grower and have specific crops grown for you, such a lettuce, tomatoes, fruits, and other desired menu items.

• Create a relationship with growers and receive shipments each week to your restaurant.

• Find out from your current food purveyor what local products they distribute

• Seek out local cheeses, meats, and wines, which can be included on your menu year round.

• Show up early to the market each week to purchase items for your seasonal menu.

3. Are there any barriers to using locally grown ingredients?

Generally cost and quantity are the two main barriers. Locally grown ingredients can sometimes be more expensive, but compared to products from major food distributors, you just can't beat the taste of truly farm fresh and artisanal products. It's important to run your numbers and look at how locally grown ingredients can fit into your business plan. With the issue of quantity, many choose to feature a "local" dish, which is available until it runs out. Some also choose to focus on just a few local items they can find in quantity, such as meat, cheese, and commonly grown produce items.

4. Should I advertise that I use local products?

Absolutely. By letting your customers know which products are locally grown, you advertise your support for local agriculture thereby expanding your market potential. Also, it provides great advertising for the local farms which you source ingredients from, furthering the partnership between your businesses. If you are serving local in a school, advertising the farms where products came from can serve as a valuable educational tool.

5. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture. Be sure to also see the chefs and food service resource listing.

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1. As an educator, why should I be interested in local food and agriculture education?

Whether you teach at the pre-school or college level, the interest in local food and agriculture related education is on the rise. Many educators are realizing that students today often do not realize where food comes from, despite it being a key part of our existence. Also, with the increase in childhood obesity and other food related diseases, many educators are interested in new approaches that teach nutrition and healthy eating habits, while linking to other subjects such as math and biology.

2. What are different approaches to local food and agriculture education?

There are a variety of different approaches to educating students about local food and agriculture such as:

• Curriculum on a variety of topics, such as gardening, plant life cycles, the biology of composting, and more
• Nutrition and cooking classes, often linked to the seasonal availability of foods
• Planting an on-site school garden
• Service learning at local farms, creating hands on learning opportunities for students

3. How does local food and agriculture education benefit students?

A local food and agriculture curriculum can:

• Connect students to the local agricultural landscape, people and the environment
• Give students insight into food related career tracks, such as: 
  • Agricultural science
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food policy related jobs
  • Nutrition
• Introduce students to fresh foods they may not have access to at home
• Provide hands on learning in a fun outside setting
• Teach students about proper nutrition, helping to establish healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food

4. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture. Be sure to also see the school food and farm-to-school resource listing.

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1. How do I increase my profits?

There are a variety of options for increasing profits, ranging from specialty crops to agritourism. Find out how to increase your profits. Also, if you are selling at a farmers market, the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association has some great tips for increasing your sales.

2. How do I sell at a farmers market?

The best way to sell at a farmers market is to find one near you and contact the market manager. The market manager can give you more information about their market as well as an application form. If there are a variety of markets in your area, visit each one to find the market/s that fit your schedule and business needs.

3. Besides farmers markets, what other options exist for selling and distributing my products?

There are a variety of other options for selling produce, meats, cheeses, and other agricultural goods. Learn more about selling products.

4. What options for irrigation are available to me?

Given the arid climate of New Mexico, irrigation is required for most agricultural crops. Irrigation of farmland in our region is largely dependent on surface water diverted from the Rio Grande, with some irrigation occurring from groundwater wells. Learn more about irrigation options.

5. How can I conserve water?

Whether you use surface or ground water, a variety of irrigation conservation measures can be adopted. Learn more about water conservation.

6. How can I preserve my farmland to ensure that it always stays in agriculture?

Just as water is a limited resource in our region, so too are agricultural lands. Once developed for housing or commercial use, agricultural lands are difficult to reclaim, making preservation a top priority.

7. How do I find an intern to work on my farm?

Whether you are interested in passing on your farming knowledge, or need a source for seasonal labor, farm interns are a great option. Learn more about hosting farm interns.

8. Should I market my farm or products online?

Absolutely. Even if you don't intend to sell your agricultural products online, having an online presence for your business is great advertising and can increase your market potential.

9. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture. Be sure to also see the farmer and rancher resource listing.

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1. What is value-added production?

Value-added production is when you take raw agricultural goods and process them into consumer-ready goods that have a higher market value. Value added goods include but are not limited to:

• Bread
• Canned vegetables
• Jams
• Prepared foods such as tamales or cookies
• Sausages and jerky
• Wine

There are also non-food value-added products, such as soaps made with goat milk or crafts made of dried herbs.

2. Why should I consider value added production?

If you are already a producer of raw agricultural products, value added production can increase your profit margins and extend the shelf life of your products. If you are interested in starting a food related business and purchasing the raw ingredients you need, value added production is still a great business to pursue.

3. Is there a market for my product?

This is a great question to ask before you begin your entrepreneurial efforts in value-added production. Most people have a specific product in mind when they consider value-added production, so your first step is to research and evaluate the market for that product. Ask around town, see what value-added products are sold at farmers markets and grocery stores, conduct online research, and/or seek entrepreneurial advice from organizations such as Accion New Mexico, WESST, The Loan Fund, or Albuquerque SCORE. Once you have determined that there is in fact a market for your product, you can then begin working on your business plan.

4. Does my product need to be produced in a commercial kitchen?

Processed food products to be sold for human consumption must be produced in a commercial kitchen. In New Mexico there are 4 regulatory authorities that certify commercial kitchens/permit food processors. If you are processing food in a commercial kitchen located in:

• Albuquerque - you need permitting through the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department
• Bernalillo County outside of Albuquerque - you need permitting through Bernalillo County Environmental Health
• Los Ranchos, Tijeras, Corrales, or anywhere else in the state - you need permitting through the New Mexico Environment Department
• Pueblo lands - you need permitting through Indian Health Services

5. Where can I find a commercial kitchen?

The New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association offers a listing of community commercial kitchens in New Mexico. Also, you may choose to find an existing private commercial kitchen and rent the space when it is not in use. Some processors may choose to have their very own commercial kitchen, however this can be a costly option due to up front equipment and kitchen costs.

6. Should I use locally grown ingredients?

Whether you grow it yourself or purchase from a local grower, using locally grown ingredients can translate into a better tasting product. By sourcing local ingredients you can also enter into the "local food" niche market, which means increased market potential and higher sales. Some value added producers choose to source many locally grown ingredients, while others may use a few and expand as more locally grown ingredients become available.

7. How do I sell at a farmers market?

The best way to sell at a farmers market is to find one near you and contact the market manager. The market manager can give you more information about their market as well as an application form. If there are a variety of markets in your area, visit each one to find the market/s that fit your schedule and business needs.

8. Where else can I sell my product?

There are a variety of other places to sell your value-added product, such as retail grocery stores and specialty shops. To get started selling your product in retail locations, think small and local. Many processors have success selling to stores such as Kellers, John Brooks, and La Montanita Co-op, as these retail locations can generally accommodate smaller scale processors. As your business and production expands, you can then look into larger retail operations or national chains, such as Sprouts and Whole Foods. A variety of tourist-style retail stores also sell value added food products, especially those made with traditional New Mexico crops such as chiles or prickly pear fruits.

9. Should I market my products online?

Absolutely. Even if you don't intend to sell your products online, having an online presence for your business is great advertising and can increase your market potential.

10. How can I increase my profits?

Find out how to increase your profits. Also, if you are selling at a farmers market, the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association has some great tips for increasing your sales.

11. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture. Be sure to also see the food processors resource listing.

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1. How is the Agriculture Collaborative involved in supporting community gardens and backyard growers?

Our website, Local Food New Mexico, provides a variety of support and information for both those who grow in their own yards and those who grow with others in a community garden setting.

2. Is there an existing community garden in my neighborhood?

There are a few community gardens in our region, and the demand for more is high. View a listing of area community gardens.

3. How do I start a community garden in my neighborhood?

Starting a community garden often requires a lot of time and energy upfront, but it is well worth the effort in the end. A great place to begin is by looking at the American Community Gardening Associations publication on how to start a community garden. The best resources however are the managers and members of existing community gardens in your area. You will learn quite a bit by talking with them and seeing how their garden operates.  

4. Can I grow food in my front yard?

Although backyard gardening is most popular, some homeowners are replacing their front lawns with a vegetable garden, creating an edible landscape. Growing in your front yard is legal in most municipalities, although homeowner association by-laws may prohibit the growing of food in front yards.

5. Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?

Again, it depends on where you live, so it's best to check with your municipality or homeowners association before you start keeping livestock. In the city of Albuquerque, for example, you can keep up to 15 chickens per household in single family residential areas, and bee keeping is also permitted. Keeping hoofed animals, such as cows and pigs, depends on property size and zoning.

6. How do I know what USDA growing zone I am in?

Growing zones in New Mexico's mid-region can be a bit tricky to understand due to a variety of elevation changes and valley micro-climates. New Mexico State University has a great publication that can help you determine your growing region (PDF). The best way to find out however is through experience growing at your location, and by talking with other growers in your immediate area.

7. Where can I get tips and advice for gardening?

There are a variety of great resources to help cultivate your green thumb.  For starters, check out the New Mexico State University publication Home Vegetable Gardening in New Mexico, which details eight easy steps for a successful home garden.  Also, they have an extensive publications page with topics ranging from worm composting to growing raspberries. The Albuquerque Area Master Gardeners has an online monthly garden calendar with gardening tips and reminders, and you can also call them with questions.  Be sure to also check out our local food and agriculture events calendar, as there are a variety of workshops and classes offered year-round.

8. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture. Be sure to also see the gardeners resource listing.

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1. Why should I eat locally grown foods?

• Connection - Eating local connects you to the seasons, and it also connects you to the people who grow your food.
• Fun - Make it a family tradition to go to the farmers market each week, visit a u-pick apple orchard, or plant your own vegetable garden. No matter how you approach eating locally, you are sure to have a good time.
• Preservation - Do you value our agricultural green spaces and traditions? It may seem simple, but purchasing local food means more money goes directly to our farmers, ensuring the preservation of agricultural lands and traditions.
• Safety - If you are concerned about food safety issues, buying local can help alleviate some of your fears, especially when you buy direct from the farmer. Most farmers enjoy telling you about their farm and farming methods, and some even offer tours.
• Taste - Local foods taste better because they are picked at the peak of ripeness and sold to you generally within a day. In comparison, non-local foods travel 1,500 miles on average, which means they often ripened in a box rather than on the vine.

2. Where can I find locally grown foods or value-added products?

One of the best places to find local foods is at a farmers market, as you can meet the people who grow your food. Joining a community supported agriculture (CSA) program is another great way to eat local, as you will receive a box of produce and other goods each week during the growing season. If you are looking for local foods in retail groceries or at restaurants, check out our Local Food Maps. And don't forget- you can also find local food in your own yard or at a community garden. Learn more about growing your own food.

3. What crops are available seasonally in our region?

When you make the switch to eating local, you also switch to eating what is seasonally available. For a listing of seasonal foods in our region, check out the Harvest Calendar from the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association.

4. What is this vegetable, and how do I cook it?

When you start eating local foods, you may ask yourself this question from time to time. Don't worry - some of these foreign local foods will soon be your new weekly favorites. If you need a recipe, ask the farmer you bought the item from, or look around online or in a farmers market style cookbook.

5. What resources are available to me?

The Agriculture Collaborative hosts monthly meetings on a variety of topics, many of which are of interest to crop and livestock producers. Sign up today for our e-newsletter and learn about upcoming meetings and workshops or view our past meeting topics online. Our local food blog and our events calendar can help keep you up to date on what is happening locally and nationally with local foods and agriculture.

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1. What is Bus Rapid Transit or BRT?

Bus Rapid Transit refers to high-end bus services that provide a fast, comfortable, and convenient way to travel. BRT can include any or all of these features:

• Bus lanes that allow buses to avoid traffic jams, making trips faster and more reliable.
• Frequent and fast service so that riders don’t have to wait long for the next bus.
• Longer hours to allow more people to ride.
• Queue-jump lanes that can give buses a head start over cars, reducing the wait time at red lights.
• Sleek, advanced buses that are safe, comfortable, and easier to board. These buses may be branded with a specific logo or identity to distinguish them from regular bus service.
• Well-designed bus stations that provide shade structures, ticket machines, and real-time arrival information. These stations can be located next to the road or in the median. Stations can also be raised so they are level with the bus floor, allowing people with wheelchairs, strollers, or bikes to roll straight onto the bus.

See how BRT works in other cities.

2. What routes are under consideration?

The draft Locally Preferred Alternative, released in September 2013, is shown in this map. It would run primarily down University Boulevard from Menaul to Avenida Cesar Chavez, where it would zig east to Yale and connect to the Sunport. Alternatively, if the existing UNM South park-and-ride lot were relocated from Avenida Cesar Chavez to University, the route would follow University all the way to Gibson, as shown by the dashed line. Most of this route would consist of bus-only lanes. More information will be posted in the next few days.

View a map of route options (PDF).

3. How were routes identified?

Local stakeholders identified a “long list” of potential routes in January 2013. These routes were evaluated based on their potential productivity and vetted through a series of public meetings. The lowest-performing routes were discarded, and a “short list” was presented to the public in April and May. Since then, the routes have been narrowed further based on more detailed analysis and feedback from the public and institutions such as UNM, CNM, and the City of Albuquerque.

To view the earlier routes, visit our Materials page.

4. How can I get involved?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please visit the Get Involved page to reach the project team, email us to sign up for email updates, or follow us on Facebook. The next round of public meetings will take place in September, so check this website for updates.

5. Who is leading the study?

The Mid-Region Council of Governments is managing the study. MRCOG is partnering closely with:

• Bernalillo County
• City of Albuquerque
• CNM
• Rio Metro Regional Transit District
• The Sunport
• UNM

Parsons Brinckerhoff is the lead consultant, working with Better Foundations and Planning Technologies.

6. Where can I learn more?

You can learn more by viewing:

• Background: Learn more about the study area.
• Bus Rapid Transit: Learn about potential transit features and how they work in other cities.
• Get Involved: Contact us directly and stay informed on the latest news and updates.
• Materials: View handouts, slideshows, maps, and more.