HOUSE BILL 378

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

G. Andres Romero

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CONTRACT WITH AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO PROMOTE THE EXPANSION AND SUSTAINED GROWTH OF LOCAL FARMS, RANCHES AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURS AND THE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION OF NEW MEXICO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the economic development department for expenditure in fiscal year 2018 to contract with an economic development center in Bernalillo county to promote:

                (1) the expansion and sustained growth of local farms, ranches and food entrepreneurs;

                (2) value-added services support and improvements to the complete process from origin of local foods through distribution to the marketplace;

                (3) market and facility development and improved infrastructure;

                (4) intrastate, e-commerce and international trade of New Mexican food products; and

                (5) the promotion and expansion of awareness and benefits of good nutrition through the purchase of clearly labeled food.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2018 shall revert to the general fund.

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