Farm to Table’s New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program (NMFIP) began in 2023 with funding from the USDA Urban Agriculture and Farmer Innovation Program. Its vision was to provide funding and support to farmers and agricultural producers in urban areas in order to improve access to healthy, local food.
Through this original component of the program, Farm to Table awarded urban micro-grants to 40 farms, ranches, and producers in 15 counties across New Mexico. The last Urban Micro-Grant cycle was awarded in Spring 2026.
See descriptions of funded projects from 2024-2026.
In 2025, Farm to Table obtained additional private funding to expand the Micro-Grant program to rural and Tribal areas in New Mexico. This funding focuses on producers who are developing and implementing solutions for our changing climate and who are building out better food access for communities. Their projects advance regenerative agriculture and increase availability of locally grown, nutritious food in rural and Tribal communities. Seven micro-grants have been awarded to Rural/Tribal producers so far. The program will open its second cycle on June 22, 2026 (see below).
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 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 will continue with two more micro-grant cycles: one in summer 2026 and the last one in spring 2027 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 for the Rural/Tribal Micro-Grants open on June 22, 2026.
The application is due on July 27, 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 New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program is a program of Farm to Table NM.
