LAS CRUCES (By
Phil Anaya, KFOX) September 28, 2010 ―New Mexico is in the height of its chili pepper season, but while thousands of people enjoy the tasty treat, production across the state is quickly declining.
Red or green, it doesn't matter, the chili industry in New Mexico is forcing many farmers out of the business.
According to the New Mexico Chili Association, more than 34,000 acres of chilies were harvested in 1992, but as of 2008, that number is just above 11,000.
Stephanie Walker, an Extension vegetable specialist for New Mexico State University, said, "The reason farmers aren't growing chilies in New Mexico is because foreign competitors sell them for less, it's difficult to find cheap labor and there are too many regulations on U.S. growers."
"Really we face losing all the jobs in chili production, all the skilled jobs, all the jobs that are still tending to the crops," said Walker. "Certainly, if we the lose the chili industry here, it's going to have a huge impact on the job base in New Mexico."
Chris Biad is co-owner of the Biad Chili Company, a processing plant that serves as the middle man for farmers and restaurants.
"The sad thing is they're not making enough to where they can pass it on to their kids, because the younger generations are not staying in it because it's a lot of work for low income," said Biad. "It's something you do take for granted but a lot of people don't realize we're on the verge of losing the industry here and it's a lot tougher to get than people think."
According to the NMCA, imports now account for about 80 percent of chilies consumed in the U.S.
"Growers need to make a profit, and if they're not making a profit with one crop, they're going to switch to another crop," said Walker.
And if farmers throw in the towel, processors like the Biads have to keep all their options open.
"We think about how else can we utilize the facility in case were not processing chili anymore," said Biad.
Experts said more research in how to produce at a lower cost and help from federal lawmakers when dealing with regulations is the solution to fixing the problem.
LAS CRUCES (By Phil Anaya, KFOX) September 28, 2010 ― New Mexico is in the height of its chili pepper season, but while thousands of people enjoy the tasty treat, production across the state is quickly declining.
Red or green, it doesn't matter, the chili industry in New Mexico is forcing many farmers out of the business.
According to the New Mexico Chili Association, more than 34,000 acres of chilies were harvested in 1992, but as of 2008, that number is just above 11,000.
Stephanie Walker, an Extension vegetable specialist for New Mexico State University, said, "The reason farmers aren't growing chilies in New Mexico is because foreign competitors sell them for less, it's difficult to find cheap labor and there are too many regulations on U.S. growers."
"Really we face losing all the jobs in chili production, all the skilled jobs, all the jobs that are still tending to the crops," said Walker. "Certainly, if we the lose the chili industry here, it's going to have a huge impact on the job base in New Mexico."
Chris Biad is co-owner of the Biad Chili Company, a processing plant that serves as the middle man for farmers and restaurants.
"The sad thing is they're not making enough to where they can pass it on to their kids, because the younger generations are not staying in it because it's a lot of work for low income," said Biad. "It's something you do take for granted but a lot of people don't realize we're on the verge of losing the industry here and it's a lot tougher to get than people think."
According to the NMCA, imports now account for about 80 percent of chilies consumed in the U.S.
"Growers need to make a profit, and if they're not making a profit with one crop, they're going to switch to another crop," said Walker.
And if farmers throw in the towel, processors like the Biads have to keep all their options open.
"We think about how else can we utilize the facility in case were not processing chili anymore," said Biad.
Experts said more research in how to produce at a lower cost and help from federal lawmakers when dealing with regulations is the solution to fixing the problem.