Agribusiness Accelerator Demonstration and Training Farm in Las Vegas (NM)

Agribusiness Accelerator Project Overview

New Mexico State University (NMSU) Agribusiness Accelerator pilot project seeks to promote economic development in northeastern New Mexico, with an initial focus in the San Miguel, Mora, and Guadalupe Tri-County area. Specific project goals are (1) to increase the supply, accessibility, and consumption of locally produced food, (2) to increase value-added agribusiness activity, and (3) to foster entrepreneurship, business development, and job creation in the region.

To achieve these goals, the Agribusiness Accelerator initiative – a collaborative effort between NMSU's College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Science (ACES), Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and Arrowhead Center – will combine the speed of business boot camps, continued business development support, and the establishment of an incubator farm at the decommissioned Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas.

The accelerator will address challenges and opportunities for: improving farm and ranch productivity, increasing production levels, and strengthening local supply-chains, including food hubs to move locally produced food to local markets, consumers and beyond; increasing value- added food and other product activities; and, conducting entrepreneurship training programs for stakeholders in the region.

The incubator farm will train “new” farmers in the planning, production, and sale of fresh vegetables and fruits for local and regional markets. Training will include workshops, field demonstrations, and mentoring in all aspects of vegetable and fruit production. The farm will provide the “farmers in training” with access to land, water, equipment and tools. The incubator farm will serve as a model that can be replicated across the state. The project will also leverage existing assets throughout the region where appropriate.

Designed to address the challenges farmers and value-added agribusinesses are facing, the Agribusiness Accelerator will provide businesses with an opportunity to grow and sustain successful ventures that will increase job and income levels – and the welfare of families and communities within the region – while contributing to the NM economy. 

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