The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a $555,981.15 cooperative agreement to Taos County Economic Development Corporation on March 1, 2026, under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175). The award funds the Eastside Producers Informational Collaborative (EPIC), an initiative to strengthen the rural regional food system across Plumas, Sierra, Lassen, and Modoc counties in northeastern California. Performance runs through February 28, 2029, with place of performance in New Mexico.
Taos County Economic Development Corporation, a woman-owned tax-exempt nonprofit based in Taos, New Mexico, serves as the recipient. The organization has a track record of delivering technical assistance, training, and market access support to socially disadvantaged farmers, beginning ranchers, and rural producers across northern New Mexico through prior USDA funding, including grants under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers program and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.