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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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