2026 Rural and Tribal Micro-Grants Press Release

Farm to Table’s Farmer Innovation Program 
Awards 2026 Rural/Tribal Agriculture Micro-Grants


Grants for Rural and Tribal farmers working to provide solutions for our changing climate and advance regenerative agriculture,
water conservation/efficiency, energy conservation and climate change mitigation

SANTA FE, NM – Farm to Table’s New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program (NMFIP) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Rural/Tribal Agriculture Micro‑Grants, awarding $53,000 to six innovative agricultural projects across four New Mexico counties. These competitive, one‑time grants support short‑term projects that advance regenerative agriculture, water and energy conservation, and climate change mitigation in rural and Tribal communities.These micro‑grants help producers implement practical, climate‑smart solutions that strengthen local food systems and increase access to healthy, culturally-relevant food.

“We are excited for our first cycle of Rural and Tribal micro grants for Regenerative Agriculture, Climate Change Mitigation projects. We look forward to working with these farms and seeing their projects move forward” said Maya Martinez, NMFIP Program Director.

The grants, up to $20,000 each, support agricultural producers, Tribal entities, local governments, and nonprofit organizations working to build resilience and expand food production. The goal is to implement conservation practices that will improve resilience to climate change and on‑farm sustainability and increase the capacity of smaller-scale farms for growing food, expanding operations, implementing climate‑friendly practices, and building resilience to a changing climate.

“Past Farm to Table micro-grant recipients are innovating by expanding the links between farmers and the New Mexico food system and improving their environmental sustainability,” said Cathy Day, Executive Director of Farm to Table. “The expansion of sustainable local food provision in New Mexico has been exciting to watch. The new awards granted to rural and tribal farmers are no exception, and we can’t wait to see these projects realized over the coming year.”

Farm to Table’s New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program will be opening up another competitive cycle of grant opportunities in early summer 2026, awarding an additional $53,000 to Rural/Tribal farms and ranches with projects or operations that advance regenerative agriculture, water conservation/efficiency, energy conservation and climate change mitigation.

The NMFIP Advisory Committee, composed of field experts, farmers, and agriculture professionals, reviewed over 80+ applications and selected the following based on the projects’ effectiveness.

List of Grant Recipients

Arroyo Runs Through It – Stanley, NM
A high‑desert demonstration farm installing a greywater irrigation system, edible windbreaks, and perennial food systems to conserve water and reduce erosion. The project will divert approximately 5,000 gallons of household greywater annually into food production and culminate in a hands-on workshop for community members.

Llano Seco Land and Livestock LLC – La Loma, NM
A regenerative sheep operation purchasing mobile corrals to reduce animal stress, improve halal and USDA meat quality, and expand targeted grazing on leased lands lacking infrastructure. The project strengthens grassland restoration and supports culturally important halal meat production.

Star Mountain Sanctuary – Peñasco, NM
A small farm expanding organic vegetable and pasture‑raised egg production using no‑till methods, onsite composting, drip irrigation, and low tunnels. The project will triple vegetable bed space, grow a flock of 60 heritage hens, and model climate‑resilient agriculture in a high‑altitude, water‑limited region.

Bee Sezi Farms – Shiprock, NM
A Navajo Nation farm implementing regenerative practices across 18 fields, including soil testing, crop rotation, cover crops, and composting. The project will track soil health improvements, increase yields, and host a public field day to encourage adoption of sustainable farming practices.

Emergence Group – Crownpoint, NM
A Diné‑led nonprofit developing the Eastern Agency Producers’ Network to increase local food production in communities where over “76% of residents experience food insecurity.” The project provides technical and financial support to growers and teaches climate‑smart practices such as rainwater harvesting, mulching, composting, and no‑till growing.

Brazos View Farms – Los Ojos, NM
A rural farm expanding hydroponic production and constructing a climate‑battery mini‑greenhouse to extend the growing season. The project increases access to fresh produce in an underserved community and builds long‑term resilience to drought.

Strengthening New Mexico’s Local Food System
Farm to Table’s mission is to build a local, healthy, equitable and sustainable food system through education and advocacy. The 2026 micro‑grant recipients embody this mission by expanding climate‑resilient food production, preserving agricultural heritage, and increasing access to fresh, healthy food across New Mexico. These projects show what’s possible when we invest directly in farmers, ranchers, and community‑based food producers. Their innovation and leadership are essential to building a more resilient future.