Martin Heinrich meets with Corrales farmers to discuss fuel costs

Senator Martin Heinrich held a roundtable discussion with food suppliers in Corrales today. Rising fuel prices and trade tariffs threaten their local businesses and daily agricultural operations. Diesel reached a record high of $6.53 last month. The ongoing war in Iran continues to push up fuel prices.

Some growers said their fuel expenses doubled during the past year alone. They said tariffs slowed down product deliveries and total output.

Heinrich asked participants for ideas to create a resilient food network. He also sought short-term solutions to ease economic pressure.

“What I would like to see as a farmer, as a small business owner, an entrepreneur you could say, what are the tax incentives after this year? What does it look like for producers and farmers, do we get a cut in our tax season, or is it just normal for everybody else as well?”

Zach Ben, owner of Bidii Baby Foods, spoke at the Corrales event. That tax policy is something he wants to see.

Other ideas included future policy roundtables. Leaders also suggested tax incentives for agricultural producers.

Roundtable meetings bring lawmakers and community workers together. Participants discuss local economic problems during these public events.

Federal officials gather feedback from growers in Corrales to shape future agricultural policies.