it easier for schools to purchase locally grown produce from farmers. All of this has come to fruition in less than a decade (see timeline on page 8). It has taken concentrated, deliberate effort among dedicated organizations and agencies that, through the NMFAPC, are committed to working together.
Farm To Table—Providing Training and Technical Assistance
In addition to its advocacy at the state and federal levels as part of the NMFAPC, FTT provides training and technical assistance to assist the development of city/county community-based food policy councils or task forces. FTT is working
with groups in Bernalillo, Grant, McKinley, Doña Ana, Taos, Socorro and Santa Fe counties, as well as a Navajo group in Tohatchi. Along with the Río Arriba Food Policy Council, these groups have emerged to address local food system issues and work on “community food assessments” to identify what kinds of foods are available to community members and how much of that food is grown nearby. The Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Grant County Food Policy Councils/groups gained support from their cities and counties for the Healthy Kids-Healthy Economy Bill, a 2013 state appropriation request to increase the purchase continued on page 8
Farm To Table Collaborations The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council (www.farmtotablenm.org/policy/) focuses on key food and agriculture policy issues and opportunities that are affected by government and legislation, and strengthens advocacy among agencies, organizations, individuals and communities for NM food and agriculture. The Southwest Marketing Network (www.swmarketingnetwork.org/) At its annual conference, the SWMN brings together folks with successful “on-the-ground” food and farming projects in the region to share what they have learned. The relationships fostered and resources provided serve to increase regional marketing expertise and opportunities for farmers and ranchers in the Four Corners states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. The New Mexico Organic Conference (www.farmtotablenm.org/fts/) Each year, over 400 farmers, ranchers and gardeners gather to learn about the latest developments in organic farming and livestock production. Presenters range from national experts to local farmers. Thirty-six workshops will cover a wide range of topics. The 2013 conference is February 15-16 in Albuquerque. Farm to School Programs (www.farmtotablenm.org/fts/) connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and making school gardens a wonderful way to learn. The Farm to Cafeteria Program works with farmers to help them sell their produce to schools, senior centers and other institutions, and helps buyers, such as school food service directors, find farmers who can supply produce in the quantity and quality they require. The Farm to Restaurant Program (www.farmtotablenm.org/266/) promotes a viable food system by helping farmers sell their fresh goods to restaurants and by helping restaurants find farmers who can supply them with fresh, locally grown produce. Farmers Teaching Farmers trainings provide opportunities for farmers to gather, share expertise and serve as mentors. Trainings in 2013 are scheduled around the state for farmers to learn how to ensure the quality and safety of their produce, especially if they are interested in selling to local schools. Ranchers Teaching Ranchers trainings focused on tribal communities provide opportunities for Native ranchers to share expertise with each other on rangeland management and restoration, and on cooperative herd management and marketing. The Community-Directed Development Program provides leadership development training, mentoring, resources and networking opportunities at the request of communities who have an interest in working to create permanent access to affordable, nutritious and culturally-appropriate foods for their communities. The Food Policy Program (www.farmtotablenm.org/policy/) addresses laws, rules and regulations that affect how food is produced, processed distributed, purchased and protected, from local zoning laws to the federal Farm Bill. FTT works on the federal level as members of several national coalitions, including the National Farm to School Network; on the state level as a member of the NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council; and on the local level as a member of the Santa Fe City/County Food Policy Council. FTT also provides training for communities around the state who are interested in forming food policy groups or councils. The Enterprise Development Program provides assistance to farmers, groups and organizations (especially Native American and Hispanic) in accessing federal programs, private funding, and in developing their business or expanding their markets. For more information on Farm to Table’s programs, visit www.farmtotablenm.org or call 505.473.1004.
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