NM Wine Industry Gets Boost From Vineyard Restoration Fund

Whether you’re looking for a glass of dry cabernet red to accompany a steak or a glass of crisp pinot grigio to accompany a cheese platter, rest assured that you can find a bottle of wine made from properly grown grapes. here in New Mexico. The story of New Mexico wine dates back to the 1600s, and today the Land of Enchantment is home to over 50 cellars and tasting rooms.

Despite the strong history of New Mexico’s wine industry, it has faced similar challenges in recent years as other agriculture-related industries in the state. These challenges include, but are not limited to, labor shortages, weather events, and the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these challenges, the state legislature established the New Mexico Vineyard Restoration Fund to provide rootstock for wine production by New Mexico wineries.

The fund will provide $950,000 to New Mexico wineries and vineyards to reimburse for rootstocks or vines purchased, to replace vines lost to an unavoidable event, or to expand planting vines for growth and the future viability of New Mexico wine and grapes. producer industry.

“As you drive through New Mexico, it’s hard to miss all the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms, but the industry has struggled in recent years due to unfortunate circumstances, and our goal is to help these farmers by through the Vineyard Restoration Fund,” New Mexico said. Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte.

New Mexico’s grape and wine industry generates about $876 million in total economic activity, according to a report by the Agricultural Science Center at New Mexico State University at Los Lunas. The 2017 Census of Agriculture lists New Mexico as having 376 wineries, covering 1,280 acres.

Applicants eligible for funding include:

  • New Mexico wineries with an active license and an established vineyard of three acres or more.
  • New Mexico vineyard that currently grows grapes for the industry with a vineyard of three acres or more.
  • New Mexico wineries with an active license who wish to plant or expand a vineyard to three acres or more.
  • New Mexico farmers with experience, land and water rights, and an interest in grapes.
  • Novice winemakers or new farmers planting a vineyard.

The New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association — also called New Mexico Wine — will manage the funds. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture, under New Mexico State University, will oversee the funding program, as outlined in House Bill 2.

For more details and to apply, visit New Mexico wine. The application deadline for the 2022 planting season is Monday, October 31. The application period for the 2023 planting season begins on Wednesday, February 1. Program funds will be available annually until June 30, 2025 or until exhausted, whichever comes first.

For more information, visit the New Mexico Wines Websiteor contact Chelsea Canon at [email protected] or 505-859-0541.

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