New Mexico Farmers Voice Priorities to Representative Vasquez Ahead of Farm Bill Debate
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On , U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) convened his Agriculture Advisory Group at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House in the South Valley to hear directly from New Mexico farmers, ranchers, food banks, state officials, and agricultural advocates about their top priorities and challenges as Congress prepares to take up the 2026 Farm Bill next week.
The meeting brought together a broad cross-section of New Mexico’s agricultural community, including representatives from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network, Farm to Table, National Young Farmers Coalition, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, Dairy Producers of New Mexico, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, Roadrunner Food Bank, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association, among others.
As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Vasquez convened the group to solicit feedback on the recently released Farm Bill text and to better understand what New Mexico producers need to see included – and excluded – before next week’s committee debate.
“Working with my Agriculture Advisory Group is about ensuring New Mexico agriculture has a seat at the table,” Vasquez said. “Before I cast a vote for a Farm Bill, I want to hear directly from the people who grow our food and cattle, steward our land, and feed our communities, and I will make sure their voices are heard next week in Washington.”
Participants shared priorities ranging from strengthening local food systems and supporting small and specialty crop producers to protecting dairy and livestock operations, expanding market access, improving conservation tools, and addressing food insecurity across the state following cuts to food assistance under the Republican tax law. The discussion highlighted the diverse needs of New Mexico’s agricultural landscape.
Beyond the specifics of the Farm Bill, the conversation also addressed immigration enforcement and workforce stability. Concerns were raised about recent ICE activity impacting farm labor operations. Rep. Vasquez reiterated his support for enforcing immigration laws while focusing enforcement efforts on individuals convicted of violent crimes – not destabilizing farms and critical food supply chains.
Vasquez also discussed his Strengthening Our Workforce Act, which proposes a structured, two-year conditional pathway to lawful permanent residency for non-citizens working in critical industries such as agriculture, provided they meet strict eligibility and employment requirements, pass a background check and pay a fee. The Congressman framed the legislation as a means to address labor shortages and ensure the continued viability of New Mexico’s farms and ranches.
The Congressman and his office plan to continue gathering input from stakeholders across New Mexico as the Farm Bill legislative process moves forward. According to a press release issued on , Vasquez intends to use this feedback to inform his position during the upcoming committee debate and subsequent legislative discussions. The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up the bill on .
The meeting comes as the House Agriculture Committee released the text of the Farm Bill on Friday, drawing immediate criticism from some quarters, according to reports. The 2026 Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that impacts a wide range of agricultural programs, from commodity support and conservation to rural development and food assistance.
