EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)– The red wine market in New Mexico has a long and abundant history, going back to the 1600s, and today the state has more than 50 wineries and tasting spaces.
Despite that abundant history, the New Mexico’s red wine market has actually dealt with comparable obstacles over the last few years as other agricultural-related markets. Those obstacles consist of labor lacks, environment occasions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
To address those obstacles, the state Legislature has actually produced the New Mexico Vineyard Restoration Fund to offer rootstock for the production of red wine by New Mexico wineries.
The fund will offer $950,000 to New Mexico wineries and vineyards “for the repayment of bought rootstock or vines, to change lost vines as an outcome of inescapable occasion or to broaden the planting of vines for the future development and practicality of the New Mexico red wine and grape growers’ market,” according to a press release.
“Driving through New Mexico, it’s tough to miss out on all the vineyards, wineries and tasting spaces, however the market has actually had a hard time over the last few years due to regrettable situations, and it’s our objective to help these agriculturalists through the vineyard repair fund,” statedNew Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte “The red wine market is important to the incomes of those who plant vines, harvest grapes, make red wine and serve it to consumers. It’s likewise essential to the state’s total economy.”
New Mexico’s grape and red wine market produces around $876 million in overall financial activity, according to a report by the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center atLos Lunas The 2017 Census of Agriculture lists New Mexico as having 376 grape farms, covering 1,280 acres.
Eligible candidates for moneying consist of:
- New Mexico wineries with an active license and recognized vineyard that is 3 or more acres in size.
- New Mexico vineyard that presently grows grapes for the market with a vineyard that is 3 or more acres in size.
- New Mexico wineries with an active license that want to plant or broaden a vineyard to 3 or more acres.
- New Mexico farmers with experience, land and water rights and an interest in grapes.
- Beginning grape-growers or brand-new farmers planting a vineyard.
The New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association– likewise described as New Mexico Wine– will handle the funds. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture, under the umbrella of New Mexico State University, will supervise the financing program, as laid out in House Bill 2.
For more information and to use, check outNew Mexico Wine The 2022 planting season application due date is Monday,Oct 31. The application duration for the 2023 planting season starts Wednesday,Feb 1. Program funds will be readily available each year through June 30, 2025 or till completely tired, whichever precedes.
For more info, check out the New Mexico Wine website, or contact Chelsea Canon at canon.chelsea@nmwine.com or 505-859-0541.
