The New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program (NMFIP) is a program of Farm to Table (FTT) in partnership with the USDA Urban Agriculture and Farmer Innovation Program.
Farm to Table, in partnership with the Farm Service Agency NM (FSA), has received a USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovation Grant through a Cooperative Agreement, to implement the New Mexico Farmers Innovation Program. Farm to Table is one of the initial 17 UCOC Pilot Locations chosen nationwide. NMFIP, over four years, will focus on expanding urban agriculture opportunities in the Albuquerque area, surrounding Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia counties (including tribal communities) and Dona Ana County in the southern part of the state. Through the agreement, NMFIP will expand on USDA’s current efforts and outreach to producers throughout New Mexico. It is our goal to provide program support and funding opportunities.
The Urban Agriculture and Innovation Advisory Committee will work with NMFIP Program staff, FTT staff, the UCOC, FSA Agriculture Coordinator and NRCS to align efforts. This committee is tasked with working with the NMFIP staff to develop the implementation plan, training tools, outreach, evaluation, and reporting.
FTT Staff and the Advisory Committee will develop a plan that assesses the needs of farmers in urban areas and around the state, as well as which FSA and USDA programs are utilized and underutilized in the state by producers. Through this process we will develop an outreach and technical plan for the program. The program will focus on expanding urban farms and food systems through training and technical assistance programs, and establishing a channel for USDA programs. As part of the program, a total of $114,000 will be awarded each year for four years as Micro-Grants. These Micro-Grants of up to $20,000 will be given through a competative application process to farmers, ranchers and food producers who are selling their products to an urban market. Find out more and apply.
