Local Farmer Innovation Enterprise Grants (LIFE)

These farmer grants have two specific purposes, and your proposal must meet one of them:

• To expand specialty crop varieties and/or crop volume sold through New Mexico retail outlets;

• To pilot or expand regenerative agriculture practices.

• New Mexico Farmers who meet one of the stated grant objectives, and who are an “Individual Farmer Member” of the NMFMA ($25/year).

• Farmers must contribute a 50/50 cost-share on the project (may include labor).

• Farmers must be willing to work with NMFMA staff during the growing season for regular progress check-ins on their farm.

• Farmers must submit a short Work Plan showing what activities will be performed during the grant period (April 1 - Dec. 1)

• Farmers must participate in a year-end “event and/or write a short report to share lessons learned from their project.

• It is encouraged (but not required) to collaborate with your local Co-op Extension agent or other farmers.

Grants up to $3,000 each. Smaller amounts are fine. Each grant must be met with a 50% costshare (“match”) by farmer. 

Grant applications are currently closed for 2021; stay tuned for release of 2022 grant application.

• 2020 Brochure

• Sample project budget

• Budget Template