Announcements
Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund Application Now Closed
Round two of the COVID-19 Local Food Supply Chain Response Fund for collaborative grants is now closed. The application deadline was June 28th at midnight. Read more about the grants in English and Spanish PDFs (note that the link to access the online application is imbedded in each PDF).
Online Food Safety Training
All food safety training are now online for all growers, including those planning to sell to New Mexico's Public Education Department (PED). Here are your options:
1) PED returning vendors: Deadline June 1
Complete "Returning PED Vendors: Approved Supplier Program" online videos and quizzes here.
2) New PED vendors (Deadline June 1), and other growers:
If you will be selling to the schools in the 2020-2021 school year as a new vendor, you must complete the Online Produce Safety Risk Assessment Training (read the complete list of training requirements and FAQs here).
- Webinars will be offered between April 20 and May 9. To learn how to schedule your webinar head here.
- Your training coursework must be complete by May 21.
3) Open source viewing of the NMFMAs food safety video modules (no quizzes or course certificate) head here.
Farmers' Market and Vendor Guidelines During COVID-19 Crisis
September 3rd's Public Health Order provides for farmers' markets to include a limited amount of non-food vendors (crafts) as long as social distancing and sanitation protocols are followed. Please consult your local city government for assistance determining how many are allowed.
View the most recent New Mexico Department of Health guidelines here.
Are You a Grower with Food to Sell?
If you are a grower with surplus food to move due to changing circumstances with your regular buyers at farmers' markets, schools, restaurants, or other venues, please fill out this very short form to let us know what you have to sell and we can assist you.
Critical Infrastructure Letter
March 24, 2020 (From Larry Dominguez, NMDA, Industry Relations)
"In an effort to assist the NM agricultural industry during this pandemic emergency and given the Public Health Order issued by the NM Department of Health on March 23, 2020 which closes all businesses except for those deemed essential, Secretary Witte asked for a template letter be provided to food and agriculture sector businesses deemed "critical infrastructure" and which will continue to operate under the Public Health Order. Companies can edit this template letter as appropriate to include letterhead, contact information, and a more specific description of your company and function. We recommend employees be provided with a copy of the letter to carry with them. The intent is to help facilitate a continued uninterrupted food and agriculture supply chain."Public Health Order Released
March 24, 2020
The Public Health Order released on March 24th deems farmers' markets and similar food outlets "Essential Businesses" that can continue selling food to New Mexicans. Read the Public Health Order here to view the complete list.
Farm Business Sustainability Amid Coronavirus
March 18, 2020
Here is a best practices document for farms amid novel coronavirus (COVID-19) including farm workers, equipment, facilities, food handling, and more.
