Before COVID-19, we had many challenges in our food systems. New Mexico has the highest rate of child hunger in the U.S. and yet in pre-pandemic times exported more than 90% of its food and agricultural products. Since the summer of 2019, the Food, Hunger, Water, Policy Workgroup has been addressing complex challenges our state faces related to food, water, and agricultural security. The group convened by Representative Stansbury and including bi-partisan participation from legislators and other stakeholders brings stakeholders together from across the state to address these issues.
New Mexico First, a member of this Policy Workgroup, recently reached out to agricultural stakeholders to strengthen understanding and to problem-solve around challenges raised by people in the agricultural industry and the emergency food sector which are shared in this report Farmer, and Rancher Ag COVID-19 Survey, 2020 and is informing action and solutions.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Jeff Witte commented on the report and noted, “New Mexico agriculture is a diverse and independent community. This report provides policy implementers with valuable insight to bring both stability and growth to the sector. We must continue to diversify and enhance our value-added agriculture,
including meat processing, to provide market opportunities to our producers and local options for our consumers. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed gaps in the system, and this report brings those impacts to bear. It is time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and move New Mexico agriculture forward.”
“This report provides critical insights into the challenges New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers face during this unprecedented time. Our ag producers are helping to feed New Mexico and are stepping up to help with emergency relief efforts all across the state,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury. “This crisis is showing that we are indeed all in
this together, while also revealing systemic challenges in our food system that are straining our producers and the food security of our communities. I am proud of the work our partners are doing to address these challenges and meet the needs of our state.”
Bryan Crawford-Garrett, Food and Agriculture Policy Officer at the Thornburg Foundation and contributor to New Mexico First ongoing statewide agricultural resilience policy and systems change work described the report. “This report lifts up the voices of New Mexico’s farming and ranching populations and the numerous disruptions they are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report clearly shows the importance of our state’s food producers to all New Mexicans by highlighting challenges, while also looking at emerging opportunities. It should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and other leaders to support New Mexico agriculture during this time of crisis.”
Lilly Irvin-Vitela, President and Executive Director of New Mexico First and lead author on the report, describes the essential work being done. “Food insecurity and growing reliance on the emergency food sector drives home the need for resilient food systems and strong New Mexico agriculture. Food insecurity is not a partisan issue. In New Mexico, we care about our neighbors, we care about family, and we want our children, youth, and elders to have the resources they need to eat and live well.” One survey respondent spoke about the current opportunity within the crisis with such clarity and conviction, “The public needs to be provided with options. Those that need should be given. Those that are hungry should be fed. Those that are able should give. Those that produce should be supported.”
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