Agritourism in New Mexico

Agritourism in New Mexico New Mexico has been known for its wonderful sunsets, lovely weather, friendly people and the International Balloon Festival. Now New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez is part of an effort to focus attention on the many incredible farmers/growers that inhabit this great state. Today, Governor Susana Martinez proclaimed October 2015 Agritourism Month throughout New Mexico. Agritourism Month recognizes the contributions of New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers to the state’s economy, particularly through seasonal family activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches. “New Mexico has a strong and rich heritage of farming and ranching,” said Governor Martinez. “Agritourism Month recognizes and celebrates this tradition, and encourages New Mexicans to join the fun through activities and opportunities with local farmers and ranchers throughout the month.” Agritourism in New Mexico includes local fun family activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches, as well as guest ranches, wineries and vineyards, fruit and vegetable picking, and hunting and fishing businesses. The agritourism sector in New Mexico is a growing contributor to the state’s agricultural industry, which generates approximately $4 billion dollars annually. New Mexico agritourism can also bring recognition from beyond local communities. For example, USA Today recently recognized McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty as the No. 3 corn maze in the U.S. “Agritourism is a win-win for our families and communities, as well as our farmers and ranchers,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “It helps local small businesses in communities throughout the state diversify and grow their operations beyond selling and growing crops and livestock, and helps connect more New Mexicans with where our food comes from.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than 33,000 agritourism businesses throughout the country, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture continues to build and grow a directory of agritourism throughout the state, available online here http://www.newmexicotradition.com/stores/AgriTourism Following Agritourism Month, the Small Farm and Ranch Task Force at New Mexico State University will host the 2015 New Mexico Agritourism Conference November 12 to 14 at the MCM Hotel Elegante in Albuquerque. The conference brings together agribusiness stakeholders from throughout the state to collaborate, share ideas, and work to grow and promote agritourism in New Mexico. More information about the conference is available online here http://bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/2015-agri-tourism-confer.html