8 Fascinating Facts About New Mexico Agriculture
In partnership with: New Mexico Department of Agriculture
The diverse range of New Mexico agriculture products lend themselves to an abundance of value-added possibilities. From north to south, the state’s unique climates produce crops ranging from its famous red and green chiles to pecans, blue corn, grapes, grains and beyond, including many traditional Indigenous crops that are still cultivated today. This agricultural abundance not only contributes significantly to the state’s economy but also supports a thriving craft beverage scene and a wide variety of local products. Here are eight reasons why New Mexico agriculture is a shining star in the state.
This article first appeared on Livability.com.
1. Chile Production
It comes as no surprise that New Mexico ranks first in the nation in chile production. In 2023 alone, the state produced over 46,000 tons of chile according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with a majority of the yield consisting of green chile produced in Luna, Doña Ana and Sierra counties.
Manufacturers like 505 Southwestern and Bueno Foods help bring this New Mexico specialty to the rest of the nation in the form of chile powders, salsas and pure red or green chile to add to your own recipes.
See more: 7 Must-Visit New Mexico Agritourism Destinations
2. Craft Brewing
Breweries and taprooms are springing up across the state and are gaining national attention. The World Beer Cup has recognized breweries including Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Canteen Brewhouse and Starr Brothers Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, and Ex Novo Brewing Co. in Corrales. Utilizing local ingredients, Beer Creek in Sante Fe prides its products on being 100% New Mexico-grown, from its Turquoise Trail ale to a Picture Rock porter.
3. Historic Grapes
Since the first grapes were planted along the banks of the Rio Grande almost 400 years ago, the wine industry in New Mexico has bloomed into a thriving tradition.
The first grape varietal grown here, Mission or Pais, derived its name from its use in sacramental wine. In the 16th century, the grape was brought to Mexico from Spain and eventually made its way to New Mexico.
Today, while the Mission varietal has grown scarce, over 100 varieties of grapes are grown on vineyards across the state. From the northernmost reaches of New Mexico, near Blanco, to the southernmost tip, in Anthony, visitors can find wineries throughout New Mexico. Among many vineyards making a name for themselves is Casa Rondeña Winery, founded in 1995 and known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and award-winning wines.
4. Artisanal Products
New Mexico crops find their way into a range of artisanal products as diverse as the state itself, from coffees to salsas, jams and seasonings derived from local ingredients.
Piñon coffee invokes the nutty flavor of New Mexico’s pine nuts, while the state’s abundant chile crop finds its way into everything from traditional salsas to pepper jellies and marinades.
At the South Valley Economic Development Center in Albuquerque, entrepreneurs in the food industry are offered resources to explore ways to create unique value-added products from the state’s abundant crops.
5. Native American Agriculture
The Three Sisters – corn, beans and squash – have historically been staples in Indigenous agriculture. In New Mexico, these crops still thrive.
Indigenous-owned businesses like Bidii Baby Foods in Shiprock implement traditional crops like organic corn, squash and amaranth in foods for babies and young children. At the Native-owned and operated Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, local blue corn and hops can be found in the brewery’s craft beers.
See more: Top New Mexico Agriculture Facts From the 2024 Census of Agriculture
6. Space-Grown Crops
Surprisingly, New Mexico agriculture isn’t necessarily limited to this planet. At Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, Orbital Farm is seeking to develop a hub for space tourism and future Mars missions that will include aquaculture, a closed greenhouse and a food waste conversion system.
The New Mexico sunlight would prove ideal for the proposed solar farms as Orbital Farm looks toward a future of sustainable agriculture in space.
7. Food Processing
With an abundance of raw materials available across the state, more food processors and manufacturers are eyeing New Mexico as an ideal hub.
After a recent expansion, Louisiana Pepper Exchange is now bringing its passion for peppers to Santa Teresa. It is joined in Santa Teresa by Oro LLC, a vegetable processing company that hopes to establish relationships with New Mexico growers.
8. Dairy Powerhouse
New Mexico’s dairy industry is a powerhouse, generating over $1.2 billion annually in milk production. Major players like Leprino Foods, the world’s largest mozzarella cheese maker with facilities in Roswell, and Saputo, a leading dairy processor with a plant in Las Cruces, drive significant economic impact.
The industry’s success is also due to the countless smaller producers and family-owned dairy farms that uphold New Mexico’s rich agricultural heritage and contribute to the state’s diverse dairy landscape.