NMDA’s $22.5 million budget boosts operations and invests in partner program coordination

• An expert with an irrigated agricultural background is needed to accomplish priorities in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 50-Year Water Plan and support agricultural participation in regional water planning under the Water Security Planning Act.
• This new full-time position will provide agricultural expertise to state water policy discussions, provide technical expertise on water conservation action proposals, act as a liaison to irrigation communities statewide and actively participate in regional water planning efforts.
• This position will work closely with other agencies and local governments, including the Office of the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission, irrigation and conservancy districts, tribes, nations, pueblos and acequias.

• The demands on this fund continually exceed available funds.
• FY25 requested funding totaled $1,370,000, but available funds were $790,675;
• FY24 requested funding was $1,449,255, with $792,656 available;
• FY23 requested funding was $1,151,000, with $794,657 available.
• There are 14 active associations, but in FY24, two associations completely depleted funding and one association has only minimal remaining balances due to a high level of activity.
• The requested amount would bring this fund to $1,250,000.

• Increasing demands for New Mexico agricultural products requires a larger investment in the New Mexico Grown Approved Supplier Program. The program is designed to grow and diversify New Mexico producers selling to schools and other institutions.
• The Approved Supplier Program helps ensure fresh produce that moves through schools, early child care facilities and senior centers is safe, traceable and originates from a garden or farm using thorough and current food safety practices. The program also helps connect farmers with buyers across the state and streamlines internal purchasing processes.

• NMDA is a state agency that falls under the New Mexico State University system, and as a result, the agency’s employee compensation has not kept up with that of other state agencies.
• Gaining compensation equivalence offers a strategic approach to employee retention management and establishes uniformity between NMDA employees and other state agency employees.
• This request also addresses salary compression, which occurs when starting salaries for new employees are in close proximity to those of longstanding employees despite differences in skills, experience, performance, seniority or tenure. Funding also will help with retention and longevity

Employee health insurance funds

• NMDA is seeking additional funds to cover its portion of healthcare insurance increases. The additional cost is estimated at $125,000.