Santa Fe, NM — Farm to Table and one of the nation’s longest-running food policy councils, the New Mexico Food & Agriculture Policy Council, are proud to announce the 2026 New Mexico Food & Farms Day and Awards Ceremony, taking place Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. in the Rotunda of the New Mexico State Capitol.
Now in its 14th year, Food & Farms Day honors individuals, farms, ranches, organizations, and programs that are building a thriving, equitable, and resilient local food and farming economy. The day also emphasizes that every New Mexican deserves access to fresh, healthy, nutritious food grown close to home.
Food & Farms Day highlights the intersection of health, sustainable food systems, land stewardship, economic vitality, and informed policy-making. The event includes opportunities for advocates and community members to visit legislative offices, share their stories, and elevate policies that strengthen New Mexico’s food and agriculture sectors.
“Food & Farms Day is our chance to honor the growers, organizations, and community leaders who nourish New Mexico and push forward innovative, culturally rooted, and resilient food system solutions,”said Pam Roy, Executive Director of Farm to Table and Coordinator for the NM Food & Agriculture Policy Council. “Their work strengthens our communities, our economy, and our future.”
2026 Food & Farms Day Awardees
See Awardee bios and photos
Good Food for New Mexico Award | Celebrating Farmers’ Markets
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Las Cruces, NM
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces is vibrant nonprofit market providing essential access to fresh local food while supporting farmers, producers, artisans, and entertainers. The Market fosters community connection, education, and affordability, serving as a family-friendly gathering space that strengthens the regional food system.
Growing the Future Award | For New or Young Farmers & Ranchers
Skoden Farm LLC
Shiprock, NM
A Diné- and woman-owned farm led by founder Kiera McCabe, Skoden Farm revitalizes traditional Diné agriculture by cultivating heirloom corn varieties and producing culturally relevant Indigenous “Skoden Snacks.” The farm inspires Native youth while modeling sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Heart of the Land Award
For Outstanding Leadership in Farming & Ranching
Gathings Gardens
Bloomfield, NM
A family-run farm providing fresh produce to local families and schools through the NM Grown Program. Gathings Gardens champions regenerative practices, community education, and expanded food access across San Juan County.
Living Land Award | For Outstanding Leadership in Land Stewardship
Running M Farms & Ranches
Melrose, NM
A multigenerational family operation practicing regenerative grazing, adaptive stewardship, and ecological restoration across the Llano Estacado and the San Pedro Mountains. Their work centers on soil health, biodiversity, and honoring the land for future generations.
Sowing Change Award
For Organizations Creating Sustainable Food Systems
La Semilla Food Center
Anthony, NM
A nationally recognized leader in agroecology and borderlands food systems, La Semilla operates multifaceted programs in farmer training, food access, education, and community-led investment. Their Food is Medicine Initiative and regional collaborations advance health, economic opportunity, and community sovereignty.
Sowing Change Award
For Organizations Creating Sustainable Food Systems
NM Agrarian Commons
Santa Fe & Doña Ana Counties
Founded in 2023, the Commons creates equitable land access for next-generation and historically underserved farmers through community-based land stewardship models. Its flagship project, Lopez Legacy Farms, integrates farming, birthwork, and ecological restoration to foster community resilience. | 
