Lujan: With President's Signature Today, Farm Bill to Help New Mexico Communities

Press Release

Santa Fe, NM -- With President Barack Obama scheduled to sign the bipartisan Farm Bill into law this afternoon, Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico's Third District highlighted the important impact the legislation will have on communities in New Mexico.

"Farmers and ranchers in New Mexico have waited a long time for this day. With the President's signature on a new Farm Bill, those in the agricultural sector who contribute greatly to New Mexico's economy, while honoring our culture and history, will receive important assistance that will help in their efforts to produce the many crops -- from chiles to pecans -- that make New Mexico so special, "Congressman Luján said. "In addition, the legislation includes an important provision that will help farmers and ranchers care for the acequias that are essential to their livelihood. By enabling Acequia and Community Ditch Associations to finally compete for federal grants, they will have an opportunity to receive funds that will help maintain the health of their acequias."

During debate on the House Farm Bill last year, Luján offered an amendment to enable Acequia Community Ditch Associations to apply for federal funds within the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). The amendment, which was adopted by a voice vote, would remove burdensome roadblocks to improve conservation practices and manage scare water resources, thereby strengthening the acequias that provide irrigation for local farmers. Luján's efforts, along with the support of the New Mexico delegation, helped secure language in the bill that is similar to the amendment and will allow Acequia and Community Ditch Associations to form partnerships and apply for federal grants through EQIP as well as a number of other federal programs.

"We greatly appreciate the work of our congressional delegation to improve acequia eligibility for conservation programs," said Paula Garcia, Executive Director of the New Mexico Acequia Association. "Investment in agriculture will expand the availability of locally grown food and support the livelihood of farmers and ranchers in New Mexico's acequia communities. Particularly during this time of drought, conservation practices are vital for farmers and ranchers."

Among a number of provisions in the Farm Bill that will benefit New Mexico is one year of funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program. Local governments that contain nontaxable federal lands and provide vital government services, such as public safety, housing, social services and transportation are eligible for the PILT program. PILT compensates these jurisdictions -- which provide significant support for national parks, wildlife refuges and recreation areas -- for their support and foregone tax revenue from these federal lands. Last year, New Mexico received more than $34 million through the program. In addition, the bill will help farmers' markets and specialty crop producers, providing important funds for chiles, pecans, and other fruits and vegetables.

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