Annual Feeding the Economy report shows 12% growth, with more than 265,000 jobs tied to food and agriculture statewide

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico’s food and agriculture industries generated $50.5 billion in economic impact in 2025, a 12% increase from the previous year, according to the annual Feeding the Economy report released Monday.

The report, produced by a coalition of 35 food and agriculture organizations, tracks economic contributions across the full farm-to-fork supply chain.

Key findings for New Mexico include:

• $50.5 billion in total economic impact, up from $45 billion in 2024
• $14.36 billion in wages, up from $12.9 billion
• $5.13 billion in business taxes
• $301.65 million in exports
• 265,032 jobs statewide

“This report shows just how powerful New Mexico agriculture is for our state’s economy. The industry generates more than $50 billion for the economy and supports over 265,000 jobs,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said. “From farms and ranches to food processors and restaurants, agriculture drives economic activity and helps sustain communities across New Mexico.”

Nationally, the food and agriculture sectors contributed $10.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2025, representing 20% of total economic output, according to the report.

The report also notes that nearly 200,000 food manufacturing, processing and storage facilities across the country employ workers ranging from food scientists and engineers to logistics specialists and truck drivers.

The full 2026 Feeding the Economy report is available at FeedingTheEconomy.com.