LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Seven projects aimed at strengthening New Mexico's specialty crop industry will launch this fall with $611,032 in federal funding running through 2028.
The projects, facilitated by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), will run through Sept. 29, 2028, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. The grant program supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of these crops through research, marketing, education and supply chain improvements.
The 2025 cycle includes the following projects:
Apple Revitalization for New Mexico advances production practices to support the state's apple industry.
Path to Plate: Enhancing Local Food Supply Chain Efficiency in New Mexico increases market access and reduce barriers for specialty crop growers.
New Mexico Grown Value-Added Foods Pilot Rollout expands markets for local products through processing and packaging innovation.
Quality Assessment of Northern New Mexico Lavender Cultivars' Essential Oils evaluates quality traits to strengthen the lavender sector.
Enhancing awareness of the benefits of specialty crops for rural New Mexico families, farmers, and youth propels education and outreach to increase specialty crop consumption.
Sembrando Salud: Promoting Health through the Small-Scale Production of Specialty Vegetables and Culinary/Medicinal Herbs integrate health and food security.
New Mexico Wine Grape Awareness & Interaction promotes consumer engagement and awareness of the state's wine grape industry.
"All of these projects reflect the diversity of New Mexico agriculture and the importance of supporting crops that bring economic and nutritional value to our state," said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.
Visit the ElevateNMAg website for more details on SCBGP funding opportunities.
