Master FIR (1988)

NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Wallace		DATE TYPED:	01/24/01		HB	65
SHORT TITLE:		Promote Farmer's Market				SB
					ANALYST:		Wilson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY01	FY02	FY01	FY02	Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
	$ 45.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Agriculture

Commission on Higher Education

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $45.0 to promote farmers markets throughout the state. The appropriation is to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Significant Issues

Currently, there are 28 Farmers' Markets statewide. According to the 1999 National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) survey, there are over 900 farmers participating and contributing to New Mexico Farmers' Market's annual sales of $1.4 million Farmers' Markets stimulate rural economic development and provide a direct retail market for New Mexico small-scale farmers. With the implementation of the WIC/Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, Farmers' Markets are experiencing additional growth. (Note: WIC/Farmers' Market Nutrition Program allows WIC clients to purchase fresh produce and products at Farmers' Markets.) This appropriation will benefit Farmers' Markets statewide by allowing them to participate in numerous consumer promotions and increase the awareness of the availability of fresh produce, vegetables, livestock products, greenhouse products, processed foods, and other goods produced in New Mexico.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $45.0 is allocated to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to be used to advertise and promote the statewide Farmers' Markets activities and special events. If successful, the agency will return to the Legislature for additional funding.

DW/ar