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NMSU launches Small Farm Institute

Faculty in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences are setting into motion a new program that benefits small farms in New Mexico.

The Small Farm Institute aims to build a corridor of expertise and experience for small farm and ranch producers in order to help them create sustainable agriculture systems and improve economic viability.

"The New Mexico State University Small Farm Institute is unique in that it was specifically created to serve the needs of small farms and ranches in New Mexico, which are a majority of the state's agricultural production," said Jeanine Chavez Castillo, coordinator of the institute.

This program is geared to meet the needs of more than 17,000 small farms and ranches in New Mexico. Statistically, 90 percent of the state's farms are considered "small," with 50 percent having less than 50 acres and 25 percent operating on less than 10 acres of land.

Along with helping farmers and ranchers create sustainable agriculture, the Small Farm Institute also aims to bring back a student-involved garden for research and education, such as zinnias in the field as part of an Oasis Garden project created in 2001. (Photo courtesy Connie Falk)

John Mexal, assistant department head, said the goal of the institute is to help small farm producers stay economically viable no matter the size of the land, while maintaining good crop production practices.

To get the program started, faculty involved in the institute are focusing on the Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Center and the Los Lunas Agriculture Science Center, as well as the Fabian Garcia Science Center and Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center at the Las Cruces campus.

"We're trying to build a corridor between us and Los Lunas, which would basically feed the urban Albuquerque area, and Alcalde, which would feed the urban Santa Fe area with a little higher elevation, a little bit smaller farms and a little more diverse land ownership," Mexal said.

Specialists will be available to small farm and ranch producers to answer questions, organize programs and conduct research in an effort to help producers find and maintain their niche in the farming and ranching business. In an effort to help producers get the most out of their crops, specialists will help them find high-value products to grow, such as horticulture crops and organic produce. By growing and selling their goods locally, producers will also reduce their carbon footprint.

The institute will spread to all parts of the state in time. There are also plans to coordinate summer camps and credited classes in sustainable agriculture in the future.

"The institute will serve as a hub of information to connect farmers and ranchers with the resources and scientific information they need to be successful," Chavez Castillo said.

Written by Audry Olmsted