December 17, 2009

<>Dear Farmers Market Manager, <> 
A rule change to 7.6.2.NMAC Food Service and Food Processing Regulations, effective on January 1, 2010 allows for the preparation in residential kitchens of “non-potentially hazardous” foods intended for public consumption.
  <>

Individuals wanting to operate a home-based food processing operation must first obtain a permit from NMED before offering their non-potentially hazardous food products to the public.

The type of foods that are allowed will be high sugar containing jam/jellies, non-cream filled baked goods (yeast and quick breads, cookies, cakes, fruit pies, etc.),tortillas, candy/fudge, and dry mixes (made with commercially processed ingredients). Home-based food products can only be sold or offered free of charge directly to the consumer at locations such as farmers markets, road side stands, and fiestas.

<>Application packets are available on-line at http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/fod/Food_Program 

or at the local NMED field offices located through out the state (a list of field offices is provided). There is a $100.00 fee for the permit.  Home-based food processors are to have with them a copy of the NMED issued permit at all sale locations.  

  <>Those interested individuals can contact Mary Lou LaCasse, Food Program Manager at (505) 476-8608 or their local NMED field office. <>  

 

Sincerely,

 

Mary Lou LaCasse

Food Program Manager


Fall Harvest Cook-off

held

September 26, 2009

Grand Prize Winner

Roger & Mike Allen
Squash Soup

other entries were
Velma Ward - Green Chili Stew
Emese Fisher - Hungarian Goulash
Ol' George Tippin - Apple Crisp
Pam Tafoya - Pizza
Jim Dyer - Fried Zucchini
Windy City - Potato Pancakes






ATAC's Capitan Farmers' s Market was established on the first Saturday in July 2006.


The happy Crew, ready to go.

The lastest market, August 8, 2006, as seen in the picture below, has grown considerably from its beginnings.


Capitan Farmers' Market, August 8, 2006

 Eight vendors sold a variety of produce, berries, and meat. Next weekend the Capitan Farmers' Market will be celebrating both National Farmers’ Market Week and New Mexico Farmers’ Market Week, as detailed in the news release from Denise Miller.



August 1, 2006                                                  For more information contact:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    Denise Miller, Director

New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Assoc.

505-983-4010 (office); 699-2064 (cell)

 

 

Santa Fe – Bring home a cornucopia of the freshest, locally­-grown fruits and vegetables when you visit your neighborhood farmers’ market, this week and every week throughout the growing season.

Approaching peak season, August 6th-12th marks both National Farmers’ Market Week and New Mexico Farmers’ Market Week.

“We’re pleased to officially recognize this special season in New Mexico because it is truly a celebration of traditional agriculture at its best,” said Secretary of Agriculture Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez.

With 45 fresh-air growers’ markets around the state, local growers and consumers alike benefit from the bountiful production of the healthiest food available, all from our own backyard.

Consumers across New Mexico continue to discover the joys of shopping for the freshest ingredients picked hours before market, and the pleasure of purchasing directly from the people who grow the food.

Seasonal produce this time of year includes the absolute freshest greens, onions, garlic, tomatoes, eggplants, corn, cucumbers, potatoes, squash, beans, beets, peppers, peaches, nectarines, blackberries, grapes, apples, melons, and more.

Many markets across the state enjoy reaching a variety of households in their community through programs such as the federally-funded WIC FMNP (Women, Infant and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program). Some, such as the Los Ranchos Market, will host special WIC events this week to celebrate both New Mexico Farmers’ Market Week and World Breastfeeding Week.

Most farmers’ markets across the state will be open through the end of October. Consumers can find the time and place of the market nearest them at www.farmersmarketsnm.org or by calling the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association toll-free at 1-888-983-4400.

The New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association is committed to supporting our state’s 45 farmers’ markets. The markets are the most important survival line for small farmers, offering them direct access to consumers which enable them to make a profit and stay on their farms. The Association also works to ensure that those less fortunate, such as low-income women, infant and children, senior citizens and others have access to fresh, locally produced food.

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