TAOS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP
QUICKFACTS For Farmers & Ranchers
Whether you are a farmer and rancher just getting started, or you have generations of experience, we believe there may be a program for you! Contact our office at (575) 758-8731 or email thetcedc@gmail.com
Taos Land Trust has a no-till seed drill and roller-crimper for rent. They also provide consultation on soil health and conservation. You might get in touch with Ben Wright to learn more: Ben@taoslandtrust.org or visit taoslandtrust.org. TABLE OF CONTENTS
USDA - PAGE 1
FSA - PAGES 2
NRCS - PAGES 3 & 4
NYFC & NMAA - PAGE 5
QUIVIRA COALITION PAGE 6
New Mexico Department of Agriculture For the majority of 2021 growing season, NMDA will be accepting applications and issuing both Annual and Continuous Hemp Commercial Research Production Licenses under New Mexico’s 2019 & 2020 rules and polices.
NMDA issues licenses to businesses/individuals cultivating hemp. The NMED issues licenses to businesses/individuals for processing activities following harvest, including extraction, distillation, and manufacturing. www.nmda.nmsu.edu/hemp-program/ www.env.nm.gov/hempprogram/
If you have a special need and require one of the above licenses, please contact NMDA (575) 6463007. Questions regarding hemp and nursery applications and licenses can be addressed at hemp@nmda.nmsu.edu or (575 ) 646-3207.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) With a large agency like USDA, it is helpful to cut to the chase - USDAs SARE program compiled most all programs into one area to search for the right fit. It is called "The Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities" guide and can be found on the web with ease. Questions regarding these programs can be brought to our team or the USDA field office here in Taos. Their contact information is listed below.
Beginning Farmer and Ranchers Loan: Through FSA, provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers.
This year with COVID affecting so many financially, The American Rescue Plan provides debt relief to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and other farmers and ranchers of color. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): For producers of agricultural commodities marketed in 2020 who faced market disruptions due to COVID-19. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) reopened signup for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) helps maximize opportunities for economic growth and ingenuity in local and regional food systems, generate new income sources for small, beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers, and create new market opportunities for valueadded and niche products. USDA announced $92.2 million in competitive grant funding through this program.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) An Agency of USDA, we have found that FSA is a great first place to start when navigating the expansive world of funding your agriculture endeavors. Once completed you can then apply for NRCS programs. Get your farm and tract number established with FSA at your local USDA service center. Bring Proof of Identity, a copy of the deed or lease agreement, and a copy of legal entity documents (if applicable).
1. A young farmer would qualify as being under 35. 2. A beginning farmer would qualify as having less than 10 years experience. 3. A small farmer generates less than $250,000 annual gross sales. 4. Spring is the busiest time for loan lenders (so avoid applying in the spring). 5. Here are some other ways to fund your farm without a loan: Some property owners are willing to enter into private contracts with new farmers to sell land. You could also build a relationship with farmers interested in passing on their land as one way to gradually gain ownership of a new farm without having to involve banks or the government. Make your farm a CSA. Through community supported agriculture (CSA), consumers pay a set fee at the start of your growing season to receive a specified amount of your harvest throughout a season or year. Fees give you income for the season and help mitigate risks like crop failure.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) An Agency of USDA, NRCS programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. NRCS provides funding opportunities for agricultural producers through these programs.
Apply for a Hoop House through EQIP
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
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BENEFITS Extend YOUR growing season Improve plant quality and soil quality Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce
National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) El Valle Del Norte Chapter
This local Chapter of young and beginning farmers meets monthly via Zoom or occasionally in person. Members are encouraged to sign up for an annual $35 membership fee, which include many benefits.
Support and sustain agricultural community through collaboration and education, cultivate relationships between new and established farmers, build social equity by sharing resources, knowledge, and market opportunities, advocate for state and local policies that support agriculture and land regeneration.
(nmaa) New Mexico Acequia Association Acequia Governance Project: Strengthen acequia governance through community education, technical assistance, and legal assistance. Work directly with acequias and parciantes to address questions regarding the role of acequias as local institutions of government. Advise acequias on securing state and federal funds for acequia construction projects. NMAA staff are familiar with various USDA programs available to individual land owners and can refer parciantes to appropriate agencies. Hosts a number of workshops every year for acequia elected officials and parciantes on various topics including water rights, acequia bylaws, acequia easements, among others. Learn more at lasacequias.org
Quivira Coalition
The Quivira Coalition builds soil, biodiversity, and resilience on western working landscapes. They foster ecological, economic, and social health through education, innovation, and collaboration. We believe Farmers & Ranchers in Taos County have a lot to gain by becoming familiar with Quivira Coalition's programs and materials.
Land and Water program: Helps ranchers develop plans and management strategies for restoring and building resilience on slope wetlands, grasslands, and other working landscapes. New Agrarian program: Helps to ensure that living and working knowledge of these practices, and the landscape itself, is stewarded into the future. Education program, including their annual conference and open source publications, creates a space for their coalition to share ideas and resources, and for the general public to learn about the critical role working lands play in the health of our food systems, communities, and our planet. Carbon Ranch Initiative: Is working to build the capacity of producers, land managers, and technical service providers to implement land management practices focused on mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.
There are more opportunities coming out every day - Find us on social media or visit our office to view the latest updates! TCEDC provides mentoring to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers & Ranchers, free of cost, to find funding for their agriculture endeavors. Provided through support from USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Call today to set up an appointment with our team! If you know of opportunities that you believe would benefit the Farmers & Ranchers in our area, contact thetcedc.outreach@gmail.com. Keep an eye and ear out for our next edition of 'Quickfacts for Taos County'! - Taos County Economic Development Corps Team