Thursday Oct 01, 2009
Pride and Diversity in New Mexico Farming
Secretary Tom Vilsack continued President Obama’s Rural Tour with his 21st stop in New Mexico. This stop while similar to the previous stops stood out in two key areas. In a morning meeting with the Latino farmers in the town of Mesilla, N.M. the Secretary heard first hand the importance of addressing the wrongs of the past in regards to the USDA and civil rights issues. And to this, the Secretary responded that he is ready to take on the responsibility of closing that chapter in our history and creating new opportunities for American farmers and ranchers of all backgrounds and cultures.
But the day was also notable because of the hard work and pride of the farming and ranching community of rural New Mexico. You see, unlike many states and parts of the country, the agriculture sector in New Mexico is growing. Five years ago, there were approximately 15,000 farms in New Mexico. Today, there are over 20,000 farms and the number is growing. Pistachios, grapes, dairy, avocados, and grains are just a sampling of the agriculture products coming out of the state. The agriculture sector today accounts for $2.1 billion in the state economy, also up from five years ago.
As Sharon Lombardi, Executive Director of the Dairy Producers of New Mexico made clear, times are tough and the challenges are numerous, but here in New Mexico they are determined to move forward. They are determined to preserve the rural communities that are the heart and soul of the nation. They are determined to make it work. And here at the USDA, we are determined to stand beside them and do what we can to help them achieve those goals.
Permalink | Posted at: 12:17PM Oct 01, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA | Add Your Comment Here [0]
