HOUSE MEMORIAL 34

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Kristina Ortez and Gail Armstrong

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER IN NEW MEXICO.

 

     WHEREAS, the United Nations general assembly has declared 2026 the "International Year of the Woman Farmer", recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture, food production and sustaining rural economies worldwide; and

     WHEREAS, this designation provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the essential contributions of women in agriculture and encourage policies and investments that empower women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals; and

     WHEREAS, organizations such as the national association of state departments of agriculture and its members are championing the International Year of the Woman Farmer to uplift, equip, connect and recognize women in agriculture across the United States; and

     WHEREAS, according to the 2022 census of agriculture, there are approximately fifteen thousand female farmers and ranchers in New Mexico, accounting for forty-one percent of all agricultural producers in the state; and

     WHEREAS, eighty-four percent of New Mexico farms and ranches are family operated, producing the beef, chile, pecans, onions, dairy and other commodities for which the state is known; and

     WHEREAS, women farmers and ranchers in New Mexico not only cultivate the land but also contribute to research and development, manufacturing, sales and distribution, innovation, entrepreneurship, conservation, leadership in food systems, agricultural education, community resilience, agribusiness and advocacy, which extends benefits to individuals around the globe; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's agricultural sector is a diverse and dynamic part of the state's economy, contributing nearly three billion dollars ($3,000,000,000) annually, employing tens of thousands of people, encompassing more than forty million acres of agricultural land and preserving rural heritage, food security, local jobs and community well-being; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico recognizes the significant positive influence women in agriculture have on food resources and the agricultural workforce; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico women in agriculture have been recognized as national leaders by serving as presidents of national organizations, serving on national committees and by induction in the national agricultural center and hall of fame, the national cowgirl museum and hall of fame and the national cowboy and western heritage museum's hall of great westerners, to name a few;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that 2026 be recognized as the International Year of the Woman Farmer in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the legislature.

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