FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NMDA Contact: Jenny Green
Public Affairs Specialist
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu | 575-202-4249

March 23, 2026

Economic report: state's agriculture industry shows growth

NM’s food and agriculture sector contributes $50B to state economy

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico’s food and agriculture industries generated $50.5 billion in economic impact in 2025 – a 12% increase from the previous year – according to the annual Feeding the Economy report released today.

Reddish-brown cattle with ear tags stand in a fenced pen under a covered structure. — The 2026 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $50 billion. According to the latest New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, cattle and calves are the state’s No. 1 cash commodity with a production value of $1.72 billion. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

The report, produced by a coalition of 35 food and agriculture organizations, tracks economic contributions across the full farm-to-fork supply chain. Key findings for New Mexico include:

$50.5 billion in total economic impact (over 12% increase from $45 billion in 2024).
$14.36 billion in wages (over 11% increase from $12.9 billion in 2024).
$5.13 billion in business taxes.
$301.65 million in exports.
265,032 jobs statewide.

This report shows just how powerful New Mexico agriculture is for our state’s economy. The industry generates more than $50 billion for the economy and supports over 265,000 jobs,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “From farms and ranches to food processors and restaurants, agriculture drives economic activity and helps sustain communities across New Mexico.”

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 2026 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $50 billion. According to the latest New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, New Mexico ranks within the top 10 milk producing states in the nation, with a production value of $1.2 billion annually.

Nationally, the food and agriculture sectors contributed $10.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2025, representing 20% of total economic output. The report also notes nearly 200,000 food manufacturing, processing, and storage facilities employ food scientists, engineers, production workers, logistics specialists, and truck drivers who keep products moving safely and efficiently.

The complete 2026 Feeding the Economy report, including detailed state-by-state analysis and additional statements from industry leaders, is available at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com.

Green chile peppers growing on plants in a cultivated field, with irrigation furrows running alongside the row under a bright blue sky. — The 2026 Feeding the Economy report revealed New Mexico’s food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $50 billion. According to the latest New Mexico Agriculture Statistics Bulletin, New Mexico ranks No. 1 in the nation for chile pepper production, with a production value of $52.2 million annually.

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 32 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