Coronavirus: Information, Resources, and Updates for New Mexico’s Local Food and Farming Community

Connect • Grow • Learn

Event Registration - New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association

LOCAL FOOD CONNECTS: 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
3/4/2026 - 3/6/2026


Location: Santa Fe Community College , 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508


We're looking forward to seeing everyone!




Event Description

   

New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association
28th Annual Local Food Connects Conference
Wednesday - Friday
March 4-6 2026

Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Ave
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508

The Local Food Connects Conference in 2026 will bring together market managers, farmers, and local food advocates from across the state for three days of information sharing, resources, and inspiration. Please join us!

Focus for each conference day:
• Wednesday is mandatory for Double Up Food Bucks outlet managers
and new market managers. All managers are welcome.
• Wednesday also provides a separate Approved Supplier Program Stakeholder session.
• Thursday offers topics for everyone — the focus is New Mexico’s local food system.
• Friday, March 6 is geared for farmers’ markets interested in marketing their outlet. Others are welcome to join.

CONFERENCE AGENDA - AT A GLANCE 
​
March 4: Wednesday
This day is mandatory for Double Up Food Bucks market managers, new managers, and is encouraged for any market manager wanting a refresher on operations.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Registration 
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM – Market Operations, Double Up Food Bucks, and SNAP in 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Approved Supplier Program Stakeholder Session
5:00 – Dinner on your own
 
March 5: Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration    
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Local Food Connects Conference 
Farmers, food producers and all NMFMA member outlets are encouraged to attend this day.
  • State of the Plate
  • Stories from the Field
  • Policy in Action
  • WIC & Senior Farmers’ Market Training
  • Connecting Programs: NM Grown, the Approved Supplier Program, and YOUR Market
  • Approved Supplier Program Listening Session OR  
    • Using Market Data to Tell Your Story
  • NMFMA Board Elections
6:00 PM: Dinner with Your Colleagues (location to be announced). Everyone is welcome.

March 6: Friday
Local Food Connects Conference
​8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration
9:00 AM: - 11:30 AM:  How to Bring Your Market to Life and Bring in Customers
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Special projects: NM Fresh Local Month, GoodFoodNM, & more
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Wrap up and lunch
 

When registering, please check every day you plan to attend and be sure to answer all “Yes” or “No” questions. Information on the Annual Conference web page will be updated as the event dates approach. If you do not receive an email confirmation, your registration has not been completed.

Registration Information
Register soon as there is a capacity limit.
Deadline to register is Wednesday, February 25th.  

  • Farmers' Markets are allowed TWO free attendees.
  • All other member categories are allowed ONE free attendee.
  • Additional attendees in your category are required to pay a fee of $25.
  • Fee for non-members is $75.
  • The deadline to register is Feb. 25!  
  • If you are not sure of your membership status, contact Member Coordinator Cat Baca. Cat will be available in the lobby for questions, membership renewal, and insurance during the conference.
  • If you cannot attend the conference, please inform Cat to cancel your registration. Space is at a premium.
  • Farmers' Markets are welcome to pay dues and insurance for this season at the Conference. Check with Cat.
Included with your registration:
  • Snacks and beverages all days
  • Networking lunch on Thursday (March 5) and Friday (March 6)
Group Hotel: 
The deadline for the special rate is Feb. 15, 2026. 
Hyatt Place, Santa Fe
4320 Cerrillos Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 

Please make your reservation by February 15, 2026, either by calling the hotel directly or using the link below. A credit card is required to secure your reservation, and payment will be made upon departure. You will be reimbursed at the conference upon presentation of your hotel receipt.

Farmers Marketing Association Conference Block -  Rate of $114.00 + tax a night. Breakfast included.  

48-hour cancellation policy.
 

Group code for call in reservations is G-FMFM @ 1-888-492-8847

Booking Link: 
https://www.hyatt.com/shop/rooms/safzs?location=Hyatt%20Place%20Santa%20Fe&checkinDate=2026-03-04&checkoutDate=2026-03-06&rooms=1&adults=1&kids=0&corp_id=G-FMFM&accessibilityCheck=false


The hotel offers excellent amenities, including a hearty selection of hot and cold breakfast options, an indoor swimming pool, and a hot tub. For added convenience, grab-and-go items such as sandwiches are available, along with an evening menu for those who prefer to dine in. Additionally, several excellent dinner restaurants are nearby, including Flying Tortilla, Ranch House, and Piazza Caffe, some within walking distance.

Hotel Financial Support:
  • This is offered to Farmers' Market Managers and DUFB CSA and Farm Stand Managers only.
  • Managers attending the Local Food Connects sessions are eligible for hotel reimbursement up to two rooms. Reimbursement covers one night for those attending Wednesday only, and up to two nights for those attending Thursday and Friday.
  • Farmers and other member types attending the Local Food Connects sessions are not eligible for hotel reimbursement. 
  • If you choose to stay at another hotel, we will reimburse the same rate as the Hyatt Place conference rate of $114.00 + tax per night.
  • A reimbursement check will be written at the conference when you present a copy of your paid receipt.

For general conference or registration information, contact Membership Coordinator Cat Baca, catbaca@farmersmarketsnm.org or 505-983-4010 x3.