In 2024, New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program (NMFIP) began, with funding from the USDA Urban Agriculture and Farmer Innovation Program, with the vision of providing funding and support to farmers and agricultural producers in urban areas in order to improve access to healthy, local food. In 2026, the program is expanding to also support farmers in rural and Tribal areas in New Mexico who are working to provide solutions for our changing climate in projects that advance regenerative agriculture in rural and Tribal communities.
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Farm to Table and the NM Farmer Innovation Program recognize the crucial role that small and mid-sized agricultural producers play in providing regionally grown, nutritious and culturally relevant food. We also recognize the importance of encouraging agricultural practices that are sustainable and which support the long-term health of the land and waters, and the health and biodiversity of plants and animals in the ecosystem. Through this approach to fresh, local food and sustainable practices we prioritize the health and economic well-being of communities in New Mexico.
The NM Farmer Innovation Program has one grant cycle per year with two tracks, one for farmers in Urban areas (areas with populations over 5,000 people or 2,000 households) and one for farmers in Rural and Tribal areas. These Micro-Grants are available to producers whose gross cash farm income is under $250,000.
Requests for proposals are currently closed.
The New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program is a program of Farm to Table NM.
The Farmer Innovation Program hosted a webinar and Q&A to go over the two grant applications. You can watch the replay here.
These grants are designated for agricultural producers, political subdivisions of the state or local government, Tribal entities and agencies, and non-profit organizations for projects which increase or improve healthy food access. The Urban Agriculture Initiative funding is for farms in urban areas, including Tribal communities and small towns. Urban farming is defined as farms located in areas with populations over 5,000 people or 2,000 households.
The application is due on February 19, 2026.
These grants are designated for agricultural producers, political subdivisions of the state or local government, Tribal entities and agencies, and non-profit organizations that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate in projects that advance regenerative agriculture, water conservation/efficiency, energy conservation and climate change mitigation in Rural and Tribal communities.
The application is due on February 19,2026.
