FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2026
CONTACT: Maya Martinez
NM Farmer Innovation Program Director
(firstname)@farmtotablenm.org
Farm to Table’s Farmer Innovation Program Awards 2026 Urban Agriculture Micro-Grants
Grants will Increase the Capacity of New Mexico’s Small-scale Food Growers
SANTA FE, N.M. – Farm to Table’s (FTT) New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program (NMFIP) announced that 14 projects in nine counties throughout New Mexico will receive funds in the 2026 grant cycle of the Urban Agriculture Initiative’s Micro-Grants.
Farm to Table New Mexico is proud to highlight a diverse group of agricultural producers and community organizations selected for support through the 2026 New Mexico Farmer Innovation Micro‑Grant Program. These projects strengthen New Mexico’s local food economy, expand climate‑resilient production, preserve agricultural heritage, and increase access to fresh, healthy food for communities across the state.
These grants have been awarded to urban farmers, ranchers and food enterprises across New Mexico in support of projects which increase or improve healthy food access in urban and Tribal communities and small towns (see list of recipients). They are awarded in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Urban Agriculture Initiative. Urban is defined as “populations over 5,000 people or 2,000 households,” from the USDA Census Bureau.
The grant application process was competitive, with the goal of supporting producers to increase their capacity. All the recipients operate with a gross cash income of $250,000 or less annually. The focus on supporting capacity building for diverse small-scale producers in urban communities is an important investment in the state’s food ecosystem and will help deliver locally grown and nutritious products directly to urban communities.
Maya Martinez, Farmer Innovation Program Director said, “This is our last year for these Urban Micro-Grants. We are very excited to see these projects move forward. This round as well as the previous two rounds of micro-grants have helped to improve farm sustainability and long-term viability at farms throughout New Mexico, continuing food chain resiliency in their communities across the state.”
The 2026 round of Urban Agriculture Micro-Grants received a total of 44 applications from 13 counties, with a total of $655,224 in funding requested. In partnership with the USDA, the New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program can assist 14 farms with a total of $138,729 funds awarded throughout New Mexico. The projects range from creating season extension, walk-in coolers, water infrastructure, wash and pack stations, regenerative production, greenhouse expansion, water purification, dairy farm conversion to vegetable facility, young farmer training, heirloom apple orchard, heirloom peach orchard, apprentice program for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Farmers and ranchers receiving Farmer Innovation Program micro-grants have undertaken innovative and important improvements that are contributing to a more interconnected local food system in New Mexico,” said Executive Director Cathy Day. “We are excited to see the new crop of grantees do the same. USDA provides key supports for small-scale producers in New Mexico that help the state to maintain and expand a food system that feeds us all.”
Farm to Table New Mexico is proud to highlight a diverse group of agricultural producers and community organizations selected for support through the 2026 Farmer Innovation Micro‑Grant Program. These projects strengthen New Mexico’s local food economy, expand climate‑resilient production, preserve agricultural heritage, and increase access to fresh, healthy food for communities across the state.
List of Grant Recipients
High Maintenance NM LLC – Socorro, NM
High Maintenance NM LLC will expand its market garden from under one‑quarter acre to one acre, significantly increasing the availability of fresh, locally grown produce in Socorro. In a region with limited access to local food and high transportation distances, this expansion supports water‑efficient, regenerative production. Project activities include upgrading a 2‑inch water line, installing frost‑free plumbing, and implementing drip irrigation across standardized production blocks. Funds will also support essential hand tools for a two‑person operation. The garden will continue to use no‑till, compost‑based soil building and water‑conserving practices. Expansion begins Spring 2026.
Sunshine Farms – Aztec, NM
Sunshine Farms continues the restoration of a historic heirloom orchard established in the 1940s. The orchard produces pesticide‑free fruit for a community with limited access to chemical‑free produce. The project will increase production capacity, implement climate‑friendly pest management, and improve harvest efficiency. Activities include planting new apple trees, purchasing an agricultural sprayer for kaolin clay and dormant oil applications, and acquiring orchard ladders, harvest bags, picking poles, and fruit boxes.
W5 Farms, LLC dba Williams Family Farm – Farmington, NM
Williams Family Farm, operator of Brewers Greenhouse for 55 years, is the region’s only winter tomato producer using natural and organic practices. After launching winter production this year, the farm quickly exceeded capacity. Grant funds will support construction of a third winter greenhouse, enabling the farm to supply all San Juan County schools and day care centers through the New Mexico Grown program. Construction begins in April, with harvests planned from October through June.
Mandy’s Special Farm – Albuquerque, NM
Mandy’s Farm, a 501(c)(3), operates New Mexico’s only farm‑based apprenticeship designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AgrAbility Apprenticeship Program trains participants in regenerative agriculture, permaculture, soil remediation, composting, companion planting, and innovative water‑conservation techniques. The project strengthens the next generation of climate‑resilient farmers while protecting the Rio Grande and Pajarito Acequia through sustainable land management practices.
Ground Stone Farm – Santa Fe County, NM
Ground Stone Farm will rebuild and upgrade its wash‑and‑pack station to support safe, efficient, year‑round produce handling – especially during winter months. Improvements include a new walk‑in cooler, a metal building with frost‑free plumbing, upgraded drainage, and food‑safe work surfaces. These upgrades will increase production capacity, improve workflow efficiency, and expand access to fresh, locally grown food for Santa Fe residents.
Caminante Farms – Española, NM
Caminante Farms is working to preserve and revitalize heritage peach varieties that have adapted to the region over generations. Aging trees, frost damage, wind exposure, and lack of cold storage threaten the orchard’s viability. The project will graft scions from ancient trees onto hardy dwarf rootstock, establish windbreak hedgerows, and convert an outbuilding into a CoolBot‑equipped walk‑in cooler. These investments protect irreplaceable genetic diversity while strengthening long‑term food security and economic resilience.
Zamin Greens LLC – Las Cruces, NM
Zamin Greens will install a 12’ x 20’ high tunnel and construct a shaded growing area to extend the growing season and protect crops from extreme heat and cold. Activities include installing drip irrigation, building raised beds, adding compost and mulch, and purchasing essential tools. The project will reduce seasonal production gaps and increase the availability of fresh vegetables for Las Cruces residents.
Chispas Farm – Albuquerque, NM
Chispas Farm has increased production by 46% in 2025 and 78% since 2022, filling its existing cold storage every summer. To support continued growth, the farm will construct a second walk‑in cooler adjacent to its wash/pack station. The new cooler will improve harvest efficiency, allow temperature‑specific storage, and strengthen Albuquerque’s local food economy.
El Tros Farm – Taos, NM
El Tros Farm will expand production capacity and build an on‑site wash‑and‑pack station to supply the Talpa Farmers Market and partner with Sin Fronteras and TCEDC for food distribution. Project activities include purchasing seeds, soil, tools, and season‑extension supplies; constructing a wash/pack station that meets NM Grown food‑safety standards; and implementing soil‑health practices such as cover cropping, composting, and no‑till management.
Planta Fe – Santa Fe, NM
Planta Fe will install an outdoor walk‑in cooler on an insulated base to increase storage capacity, especially during the colder season (November–March) when local produce is scarce. This infrastructure will help supply healthy food to urban communities in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Nova Market Garden LLC – Aztec, NM
Nova Market Garden will install a water‑filtration system to bring acequia water into compliance with FSMA agricultural water standards, enabling the farm to expand participation in the New Mexico Grown program. The project includes installing a pump and pressure tank, establishing a four‑stage filtration system (media sand, 200‑mesh screen, UV, and magnetic conditioning), and conducting regular water‑quality testing.
Bluffs Farm, LLC – Farmington, NM
Bluffs Farm, founded in 2025 by a mother‑son team, will bring a remodeled greenhouse and two new hoop houses into production. Funds will support season‑extension materials, frost covers, and harvest containers, enabling the farm to extend its growing season and increase access to fresh, local produce.
Bethel Boer LLC – Portales, NM
Bethel Boer LLC will convert part of a retired milk barn into a refrigerated cold room, certified vegetable preparation area, warehouse, and remodeled restroom. These upgrades are the first phase of a long‑term controlled‑environment agriculture facility.
The project will expand year‑round vegetable production for Eastern New Mexico, where child food‑insecurity rates reach 28%.
People’s Garden – Truth or Consequences, NM
The People Growing Together (PGT) project will train 10 teenagers (ages 15–19) in sustainable growing practices. A master gardener will provide hands‑on horticultural training, and students will receive tools to keep upon completion. Graduates will be eligible for part‑time employment in the organization’s greenhouse and raised‑bed facilities, strengthening the local agricultural workforce.
Farm to Table’s mission is to build a local, healthy, equitable and sustainable food system through education and advocacy. Farm to Table firmly believes that access to food is a basic human right. We also affirm that access to regionally grown healthy and culturally relevant food is paramount to the health and economic wellbeing and sustainability of communities. As such, our work is centered on investing in New Mexico’s communities, farmers, children, and the environment.
These Micro-Grants are awarded through Farm to Table’s Farmer Innovation Program in partnership with the USDA/FSA Urban Agriculture Initiative through the Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
For more information about this program contact:
Maya Martinez, (firstname)@farmtotablenm.org or Edith Martinez, (firstname)@farmtotablenm.org
www.farmtotablenm.org
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