Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. SENATOR Jeff Bingaman

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Contact Senator Bingaman's Office:

Jude McCartin
Maria Najera
703 Hart Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521

Bingaman: USDA Grants Aim to Help New Mexico's Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that three New Mexico organizations have been awarded federal grants to help disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the state.  Funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

"The funding awarded today will help strengthen New Mexico's family-owned farms and ranches," Bingaman said.  "I'm glad the federal government is making this investment in our state's agricultural industry."

The following New Mexico organizations will receive grant funding through USDA:

• $275,000 - Taos County Economic Development Corp. (TCEDC): Funding will be used to support TCEDC's programs that promote, sustain and improve small family farms and ranches offering solutions through outreach and education.
• $250,000 - New Mexico Acequia Association's Outreach Program: Funding will be used to support statewide outreach, education, and technical assistance to Hispanic farmers and ranchers.
• $400,000 - New Mexico State University, Alcalde: Funding will help NMSU provide outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms and ranches.