Max Henkels

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan aims to guide the department in serving the needs of agriculture and all citizens of New Mexico. The plan outlines four core priority areas: Natural Resources Stewardship, Food and Feed Protection, Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Protection, and Marketplace and Economic Development. Its vision is to benefit the public by promoting the viability, safety, resilience, and advancement of agriculture and affiliated industries, while honoring the heritage and diversity of New Mexico agriculture.

The meeting addressed public comment regarding the delay in filling vacant Commission positions for Regions 3 and 5. Actions included approving the 5-member board request for San Francisco SWCD. The Border SWCD's Boundary Modification Request, concerning the annexation of Elida, was tabled pending further action to collect resident signatures and coordinate with the town council. Discussion on the Water Quality & Conservation FY27 Grant Application Form confirmed no changes were proposed by the Commission, with RFPs expected in February 2026. Updates were provided on the NMDA $9 Million 3-Year Plan for SWCDs, noting allocated funds for capacity-building grants and operational funding through a point system, with Commissioner Garcia requesting details on upfront funding requests. Commissioner reports covered the USBR Upper Rio Grande Basin Study input requested from SWCDs, recent flooding issues in Region II being addressed with EWP funding, and the passing of former Commissioner Clint Harden. NMDA reported on the Healthy Soil Program (HSP), noting training delays due to the government shutdown, and provided updates on the District Opportunity Grant and the new Archaeological Field Training Program, which received high application demand. The Water Quality Control Commission passed Water Reuse Rules, leading to a request for new hearings scheduled for May or June in Hobbs and Santa Fe. Updates were also given on the NACD annual meeting, NMACD Soil and Water Conservation District Day, and the NMCDE mentorship program.

The meeting addressed the mill levy referendum request for Mesa SWCD and discussed the NMDA $9 Million 3-Year Proposal for SWCDs, including the point system and capacity-building grant. The subcommittee met with Secretary Witte to discuss the $9 million 3-year proposal. Of that $9 million, there will be $7.5 million available for SWCDs under the non-competitive capacity-building funding opportunity. The remaining $1.5 million will go to the point system, increasing the 100-point base funding of $17,434.25 to an approximate $28,000 for the next 3 years. The $7.5 million capacity-building funds will be available during a 2.5 years period, offering each district the opportunity to apply for a maximum of $160,000.

The hearing addressed the proposed repeal and replacement of the Seed Standards and Classifications rule. Public notices were established in accordance with state law. Primary proposed amendments to the Seed Standards and Classification rule include removing the table in Section 21.18.4.10, Germination Standards for Vegetable Seeds, and replacing with reference to the Federal Seed Act; updating Section 21.18.4.11, Methods of Sampling, to include reference to the Federal Seed Act and the Association of Official Seed Analyst; updating 21.18.4.13, Fee Schedules for Seed Testing, to help offset the increased cost of services due to inflation and mandatory adjustments to staff salary. The proposed fees are still below the average of these states, but provide budgetary assistance for the seed laboratory operations.

The hearing addressed the proposed repeal and replacement of the Egg Inspection Fees rule. Public notices were published in various newspapers and online platforms. Primary proposed amendments to the Egg Inspection Fees rule include proposed fees changed from 12 cents per case for 30 dozen to 15 cents per case, 30 dozen. An adjustment to the fees is necessary to help offset the increased cost of services, licensing, and the inspections due to inflation and mandatory adjustments to staff salaries.