About Us

Rated the second-most favorable industry in New Mexico according to a survey by The Garrity Group, agriculture is a major economic driver with a value of $3.44 billion in 2019.

An estimated 140,000 jobs in New Mexico are directly related to food and agriculture.

With nearly 41,000 producers in the state in 2017, New Mexico is one of few states to have a growing number of producers.

In 2017, 41% of all agricultural producers in New Mexico were female.

Nearly 95% of all farms and ranches in New Mexico are family operations.

Home to six of the seven life zones in the world, New Mexico’s climate is ideal for the growth of a diverse number of crops and livestock. Climate conditions, coupled with efficient growing practices, means New Mexico agriculture plays a big part in feeding families across the U.S., and in some cases the world.

• New Mexico ranks No. 1 in chile production (78.6% of the U.S. total).
• New Mexico ranks No. 1 in pecan production (33.3% of the U.S. total).
• New Mexico ranks No. 4 in cheese production in the U.S.
• New Mexico ranks No. 5 in dry onion production in the U.S.
• New Mexico ranks No. 9 in milk production in the U.S.

Elevating Public Awareness and Demand for New Mexico Agricultural Products and Producers

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) Marketing and Development Division is committed to the global marketplace development of New Mexico foods and agricultural products, as well as the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses who produce and supply those products.

NMDA supports New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and other agribusinesses through a variety of marketing, promotional, and sales activities. The NMDA team provides foreign and domestic buyers of conventional and organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, livestock, and many other products with information addressing sources of supplies, prices, logistics, market conditions, production statistics, availability, and other data vital to developing long-term marketing strategies and increasing sales. This is accomplished through the following:

• Trade shows
• Conferences
• Fairs
• International trade activities
• Seminars
• Technical demonstrations
• Web-based virtual promotions
• Partnerships with state industry associations, commissions, and groups

The NMDA Marketing and Development Division also oversees publication the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics Bulletin, the NEW MEXICO–Taste the Tradition/Grown with Tradition Logo Program, Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Program, Market News & Crop Weather, and Organic Program.