Welcome to the Southwest New Mexico Food Policy Council (SWNM-FPC)
Strengthening a Remote Community Through Sustainable Food Systems
“Building healthier communities by addressing the underlying policies that influence food systems”
Since 2014, the National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC) has proudly supported the Southwest New Mexico Food Policy Council as its backbone organization. Together, we are committed to revitalizing and nurturing sustainable food systems in the remote and vibrant counties of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna.
Our Mission
“Promoting policies and mobilizing resources and infrastructure that guarantee healthy, affordable food through local, sustainable agricultural economies for everyone in Hidalgo, Luna, Catron, and Grant counties.”
Our Priorities
Five Priority Areas: (Water, Land Use, Food Distribution and Storage, Food Processing, and Developing Growers)
- Ensure that everyone in the region has access to enough healthy, nutritious food, regardless of their income.
- Develop a resource guide for small growers/ranchers in the region to help them expand or improve their operations and for new producers to overcome startup barriers such as capital and land access.
- Encourage collaboration among food producers and help them access markets for their products.
Who We Are
The SWNM-FPC is a volunteer council that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from our region—farmers, ranchers, public health professionals, parents, food pantry recipients and staff, municipal officials, and more. This broad and representative coalition is essential as it brings multiple perspectives and expertise to the table, ensuring our initiatives are comprehensive and inclusive.
Why a Regional Approach?
Frontier communities across the nation are remote and far removed from urban centers, major agricultural zones, and traditional decision-making circles. Thus, local voices are often the last to be heard. NCFC seeks to find solutions for the frontier, often using SWNM as a testing ground for new programs.
The remote nature of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna counties makes regional collaboration not just beneficial, but essential. By uniting regionally, the Southwest New Mexico Food Policy Council (SWNM-FPC) amplifies the voice of these communities, ensuring we are not overlooked in broader agricultural and policy discussions.
Our frontier status brings unique challenges. Our distance from major markets and the centers of power means that policies and systems are often designed without our local needs in mind. This regional approach allows us to address these challenges directly by:
- Amplifying Our Collective Voice: Joining together, we strengthen our advocacy, ensuring that the specific needs of frontier communities are addressed in food policy.
- Enhancing Food Security and Local Economy: Local food systems not only provide fresh, healthy food but also support economic growth within our communities by creating jobs and keeping money circulating locally.
- Building Resilience: Local production reduces our dependence on long supply chains that can be disrupted by external factors like fuel price fluctuations or climate variations.
Furthermore, the SWNM-FPC leverages strategic alliances to heighten our impact. As a member of both the New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, we channel local concerns to state and federal levels. These partnerships ensure that the voice of the frontier has the potential to influence decisions beneficially for frontier residents.
This collaborative regional network helps the region confront immediate challenges and lay the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient food future by making sure the needs of local residents are prioritized and met.
What We Do
The SWNM-FPC focuses on a range of initiatives designed to enhance our food landscape:
- Advocacy and Policy Change: We work with local governments and organizations to create policies that support sustainable farming practices and equitable food distribution.
- Project Steering: To ensure that local food system projects are reflective of community needs and centered in local voices, SWNM-FPC serves as the steering committee for various grant projects and food system initiatives.
- Support for Local Farmers: We provide resources and support to help local farmers thrive, fostering a connection between producers and consumers that enriches our region.
Join Us
Whether you are a resident of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, or Luna counties, a local farmer seeking support, or simply someone passionate about sustainable food systems, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community members and pave the way for a sustainable future.
For more information on how you can get involved or support our efforts, please contact Ben Rasmussen at director@frontierus.org.