Local food is hot.  Consider:

• The Slow Food movement is encouraging us to savor our meal, and think about the destructive effects of an industrial food system and fast life;
• Advocates of the The 100 Mile Diet say eating local better supports the local economy while decreasing use of fossil fuels for transportation;
• Authors like Michael Pollen (The Omnivore's Dilemma), Barbara Kingsolver (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life), Gary Paul Nabhan (Coming Home to Eat: The Pleasures and Politics of Local Foods), and others explore the pleasures and experiences of eating from a local foodshed.

As in the rest of the country, there is a growing interest in the availability of local food and products in central New Mexico.  As a result, we've initiated a new blog to focus on issues related to local food, agriculture, livestock, and value-added products in New Mexico's mid-region.

The blog represents an outreach effort of the Agribusiness Collaborative, a group of citizens, growers, producers, food processors, food buyers, representatives from government agencies, agricultural organizations, retail operations and manufacturing companies, scientists, professors, community activists, and economic development specialists. The group is committed to improving the sustainability and profitability of small acreage agriculture in the Middle Rio Grande Region.

Meetings

Meetings are free and open to anyone. 

Agribusiness Collaborative
Second Wednesday of each month, 9am
Mid Region Council of Governments (directions)

Meetings topics vary, and have included:  biologists, growers, grocery stores selling local food, restaurant owners, nutrition experts, school garden programs, issues surrounding global warming, etc. The gathering serve a community-building function, bringing together representatives of diverse elements of the local food community.

Contact:  Ann Simon (asimon@mrcog-nm.gov) or 724-3617

Why are We Doing This? 

The purpose of this blog is to broaden and extend the community of people interested in local foods, including those for whom the Collaborative meetings are not convenient. It also is intended to serve as a resource for state and local growers, sellers and consumers, including technical advice for growers, information for restaurants about what is currently available from local growers, and guidance for consumers about where they can buy local food or enjoy a restaurant meal that includes local food.

Check back, and feel free to share your feedback with us!