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March 18, 2024

Economic report: state's agriculture industry shows growth

NM’s food and agriculture sector contributes $45B to state economy

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The ninth annual Feeding the Economy report, released today by a coalition of 36 food and agriculture organizations, highlights the significant economic contributions of New Mexico's agricultural sector.

Reddish-brown cattle with ear tags stand in a fenced pen under a covered structure. — The 2025 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $45 billion. According to the 2023 New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, cattle and calves are the state’s No. 1 cash commodity with production value of $1.72 billion. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

This comprehensive farm-to-fork economic analysis reveals substantial growth in key metrics despite ongoing challenges. According to the 2025 report, New Mexico's food and agriculture industries generated:

$45 billion in total economic impact (up 4.4% from $43.12 billion in 2024).
$12.9 billion in wages (up 9.3% from $11.8 billion in 2024).
$4.8 billion in business taxes.
$301.8 million in exports (up 22.1% from $247.1 million in 2024).
253,529 jobs statewide.

“Our state’s food and agriculture industry is a thriving, integral component of the local economy, as this latest report shows increases in exports, wages and overall economic impact of the ag industry,” said New Mexico Agriculture Sec. Jeff Witte. “When we sit down to eat a meal, it’s important to remember all the work it took to get that food from the farm to our plates.”

A close-up image of a black and white dairy cow with a green ear tag, standing behind metal bars. The cow’s face is in focus, showing its nose, whiskers and large ears. — The 2025 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $45 billion. Dairies are an integral part of New Mexico’s agriculture industry. According to the 2023 New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, milk is the state’s No. 2 cash commodity with value production of $1.7 billion, and New Mexico is fourth in the nation in cheese production. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

Nationally, the food and agriculture sectors contributed $9.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2025, representing 18.7% of total economic output. The report also notes that since the pandemic, the agriculture industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, increasing its economic output by nearly 25% despite global supply chain challenges.

The complete 2025 Feeding the Economy report, including detailed state-by-state analysis and additional statements from industry leaders, is available at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com.

An onion storage facility with large mesh bags filled with onions stacked on wooden pallets. To the right, plastic crates contain more onions. The warehouse has a metal roof, ventilation fans and a yellow-striped walkway. — The 2025 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $45 billion. According to the 2023 New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, onions are the state’s No. 3 cash commodity, with a production value of $137.4 million. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

About the Feeding the Economy Report
The annual Feeding the Economy report is sponsored by a coalition of leading food and agriculture organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation, FMI – The Food Industry Association, National Restaurant Association, and 33 other industry groups. The report provides comprehensive data on the economic contributions of the U.S. food and agriculture sectors from farm to fork.

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Economic report: state's agriculture industry shows growth