Heinrich veiws Fort Sumner soil lab project

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FORT SUMNER – Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) made a quick stop in Fort Sumner this as part of a trip through eastern New Mexico.
Heinrich toured JAL Farms in the Valley, an eight-acre mini-laboratory where David and Mary Lucero have implemented climate smart farming practices and an integrated program which combines a small soils testing facility with raising fruit and beef for sale to the public.
Both retired government employees, the Luceros are developing the efficiency of the small, irrigated acreage, using microbe friendly soil enchancements, including humic acid and biochar. The Luceros have successfully sought small grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their healthy soil experiments.
Sen. Heinrich in March introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act, legislation with a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by the year 2040.
This legislation is designed to help New Mexico farmers and producers improve soil health, expand conservation programs, increase research into climate agricultural practices, and support on-farm renewable energy projects.
Heinrich, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, in June, announced passage of the FY24 Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill, which includes over $10 million in investments for 18 local projects across New Mexico. The bill includes $1.7 billion for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service agency to conduct research relating to important topics such as soil health and drought resilience, pest and disease resistance, value-added products, and agricultural innovation.
Additionally, the bill includes specific funding for important agriculture research in agrivoltaics, sustainable specialty crops, wind erosion, and precision rangeland management that will support the operations of local farmers and producers in New Mexico.
During the tour of JAL Farms, Melrose FFA Chapter members Ryker Loomis, Lily MacFarlane and Daisy Downey discussed their projects and studies with Heinrich and heard the Luceros detail their work to restore the resilience of the soils on their farm.
Sen. Heinrich later in the day toured Clovis Community College’s career technical programs and discussed his recently introduced Apprenticeship Pathway Act, legislation to expand access to apprenticeship programs, create more pathways to careers for high school students, and address the health care provider shortage in Eastern New Mexico.
The Senator also participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the next phase of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System project and hosted a community listening session at Cannon Air Force Base with Senator Ben Ray Luján, and leaders of the United States Air Force, including Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, and Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfied, to discuss additional investments and forward-looking missions at the base.