By LYNN SKALL

If you are interested in any aspect of agriculture, this month’s Questa Business Entrepreneurial Networking Meeting is for you! This informal gathering is being held to bring together farmers, ranchers, landowners, homesteaders, community gardeners, and interested citizens to discuss current agricultural efforts and how we can further expand ranching and farming production in our area.

The Questa Economic Development Fund believes agriculture and sustainable food sources are key components in establishing a stronger diverse and sustainable economy in our local area. The pandemic has shown how important local food can be in rural communities, so we want to work with community members to help expand food production in northern New Mexico. Agriculture has always been a part of our area’s culture and heritage; now it is also an important part of food security for our community. Join the agricultural discussion at this month’s QBEN meeting: What do you need to increase your production? What do you need to get started? What about funding and technical resources? Is it possible to connect interested farmers with unused agricultural lands, and connect interested workers with the farmers? You, as the participants, will guide the conversation.

Terry Bruner, with Pivotal Consulting will be participating, he is a grant writer who has been hired specifically to help identify grants and secure funding for “projects which support the strengthening of local agriculture, associated value chains, and food security.” Both the QEDF and the Chevron are on board to help expand agriculture in the Questa area.
Join us for refreshments and jump into the discussion at QBEN on Wednesday, June 9, at 6 pm at Rael’s Market, located at 2430 NM-522, in the heart of Questa. We know it’s planting season, so if you cannot attend in person, please participate via Zoom; contact Lynn Skall for the zoom link or for more information at lynn@questaedf.com, or leave a message at (575) 586-2149.