The new mexico department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service awarded $611,032.51 to New Mexico State University on September 30, 2025, under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops across New Mexico through research, education, outreach, and marketing activities. The award runs through September 29, 2028, and encompasses one research project, five education and outreach projects, and one marketing project focused on lavender, apples, wine grapes, and various fruits and vegetables.

New Mexico State University passed funding to four sub-recipients to deliver the grant's activities. Bluefly Farms, LLC received funding to increase apple harvesting, transportation, and storage capacity to process at least 30,000 pounds annually across 12 or more participating orchards, press and sell 2,000 gallons or more of apple cider per year, establish six or more wholesale markets for apple cider and apple cider vinegar, and provide training in pruning and grafting of new apple trees. Healthy Futures Inc. received funding to collaborate with schools and 100 farmers to promote specialty crop planting and consumption by distributing seeds, saplings, gardening tools, and technical assistance from horticultural experts, with enhanced marketing and distribution planning through farm cooperative partnerships. Center Of Southwest Culture, Inc. received funding to conduct educational workshops on specialty vegetable and medicinal herb cultivation for young emerging farmers on small plots, including provision of organic specialty crop seeds, drip irrigation supplies, compost, and instructional guidebooks, with access to shared equipment. New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association received funding to develop and refine product standards and specifications for value-added specialty crop products within the NM Grown family of programs and increase knowledge among producers and buyers about new value-added food standards.

The new mexico department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers through a variety of activities/projects with their grant recipients. The state's sub-awards include 1 research project, 5 education and outreach projects, and 1 marketing project to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops including lavender, apples, wine grapes and various other fruits and vegetables throughout the state of new mexico.