Virtual public hearing regarding commercial feed
rule amendment scheduled for July 29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NMDA Contact: Baylee Banks
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
bbanks@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011 (Kristie Garcia, Public Affairs Director)

June 19, 2020

New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture appointed to U.S. EPA Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee

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LAS CRUCES – New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte was appointed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler as one of 33 new members to serve on the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) Wednesday.

The FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information and recommendations to the EPA regarding environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

The 33 new members represent a variety of agricultural sectors across 24 U.S. states and one territory, allowing for a broad representation of perspectives for the FRCC. The committee members were chosen among 150 nominations for meeting several qualifications including active engagement in agricultural production and demonstrated ability to examine and analyze complex environmental issues with objectivity and integrity.

“It’s important for New Mexico and our entire region to have a voice at the federal level when policy decisions are being made,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “I look forward to serving on this committee and providing perspective as both a regulatory partner with EPA and from an agriculture producer’s perspective as well.”

The new FRRCC members will serve two- or three-year terms beginning June 15, 2020.

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www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
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LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NMDA Contact: Baylee Banks
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
bbanks@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011 (Kristie Garcia, Public Affairs Director)

June 12, 2020

2020 Census deadline extended to Oct. 31 due to COVID-19

New Mexico Agriculture Secretary reminds agriculture industry to complete Census

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LAS CRUCES – The final deadline to complete the 2020 Census has been extended to Oct. 31 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture reminds farmers, ranchers and everyone within the agriculture community to respond to the census either online, over the phone, by mail or in person, as door-to-door operations that were temporarily suspended in March have now resumed across the state.

The decennial census is a simple 10-question form that, upon completion, determines how more than $800 billion in federal funds will be distributed in communities across the nation, including over $7 billion per year in New Mexico. The funding supports roads, schools, healthcare, public safety and essential service programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and National School Lunch Program. Research suggests that every New Mexico citizen unaccounted for results in a loss of approximately $3,745 every year.

“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many in the agriculture industry to focus their efforts elsewhere during these trying times,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said. “However, completing the 2020 Census takes just 10 minutes of your time and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Remember that those 10 minutes will have an impact on the next 10 years. I encourage every farmer, every rancher, and everyone in the agriculture industry to stand proud, be counted, and complete a census form.”

For more information about the 2020 Census in New Mexico, visit https://www.icountnm.gov/home/. To respond to the census, visit https://2020census.gov/.

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Find us at:

www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 Contact: Kristie Garcia
Public Affairs Director, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011

May 21, 2020

Website connects consumers with New Mexico agriculture products

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LAS CRUCES – Consumers searching for New Mexico agricultural products may find items listed on the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website.

“During this unprecedented time, there have been many instances in which we’ve needed to identify food sources quickly,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “This new resource allows consumers to connect with agricultural businesses and producers right here in New Mexico.”

As part of the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture has assisted with identifying sources and securing food in a timely manner, whether it has been for food banks or for New Mexico’s Nations, Tribes and Pueblos. To add to this effort, now consumers can link directly to local producers and agricultural businesses.

“We want to have a central hub for home-grown and produced items,” said Witte. “We’re still working with the ag industry to grow this resource. Products are continuously being added to the list, and we plan to continue this effort post-pandemic.”

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Find us at:
www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Baylee Banks
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
bbanks@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011 (Kristie Garcia, Public Affairs Director)

May 20, 2020

Extended Public Health Order outlines COVID-safe practices for New Mexico Individuals and Employers

Requirements and best practices included for agricultural businesses and services

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SANTA FE – New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a modified public health emergency order Friday easing restriction on retail operations, ordering New Mexico citizens to wear cloth face coverings in public, and proposing a series of requirements and best practices for businesses and other services.

The new emergency health order went into effect Saturday, May 16 and will remain in effect through May 31.

Requirements and best COVID-safe practices (CSP) are outlined in the “All Together New Mexico: COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers” document. Agriculture-affiliated businesses and services addressed include the following:

• Retail establishments providing essential goods and services
• Restaurants and food services
• Grocery stores and farmers’ markets
• Manufacturing, warehouse and food production
• Farmers, ranchers, dairy producers and processors
• Veterinarians and pet care facilities

To view the CSP document in its entirety, visit https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/.

“As we all navigate our way in dealing with a pandemic, New Mexico’s agriculture community continues to do what it can to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said. “From farmers’ markets to ranches, and from processing facilities to farms, we as an industry are aiding New Mexico’s phased plan for a safe reopening by continuing to operate using COVID-safe practices.”

All required practices listed under the CSP document are legally enforceable if necessary. Additional industry-specific required practices will be added to the CSP document as needed.

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www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture