1. New Mexico Certified Chile™ Zach Penn New Mexico Certified Chile™ Farmer

2. Chile is often incorrectly described as New Mexican… Much of that chile is grown outside New Mexico, or even more commonly outside the country. 82% of chile consumed in the U.S. is imported. Harvested acreage of NM chile has declined from 35,000 acres in 1992 to 9,000 acres in 2014.

3. Chile grown in our dry weather and warm soil in NM cannot be matched by chile anywhere in the world. The unique flavor and high quality of New Mexican chile creates a reputation. We are seeking to preserve that reputation and the chile industry in New Mexico!

4. Initial funding for the Program was awarded through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.

5. New Mexico Certified Chile™ will join: Vidalia Onions™ Florida Oranges™ California Almonds™ Idaho Potato™ and other Certification Programs that support signature crops of a state or region.

6. The NMCA has created a Certified Trademark to preserve the integrity of chile grown in New Mexico. This mark guarantees that your chile is New Mexico Grown

7. There are many benefits of becoming a Licensee: Use of NM Certified Logo in sales, promotional materials Ensures that the New Mexico chile industry will prosper Generates revenue to inform consumers about the New Mexico Certified Chile program & its affiliates Right now over $40,000 has been spent to reach over 1 million consumers through radio, print, and social media. Program participants will be featured on our website & on various social media platforms to help promote your business.

8. Additional advantages: Low cost program: mostly pay-as-you-go Enjoy the advantage of national press Without joining, consumers won’t differentiate between your product and overseas product

9. Permitted Users: Licensee’s Restaurants, Grocers, and Distributors Can use mark for free Fill out one-time, short application Gives your business a competitive marketing advantage Many benefits and advantages, including free advertisement through website and promotional activities Gives customers confidence in product

10. Many categories of operations can participate: Farmers Small Local Farmers Growers Markets Produce Vendors Processors Manufacturers Marketers Distributors Retailers Restaurants

11. The New Mexico Certified Chile™ Program currently has: 7 Licensees 5 Farmers 3 Processors And over 500 Permitted User Locations Across the Country Coming Soon: 1 processor & 4 additional growers

12. The NMCA believes New Mexico Certified Chile™ Program will substantially INCREASE the 4000 Industry jobs and over $400 million it contributes annually to the New Mexico economy

13. Currently co-branding with New Mexico Department of Tourism Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail Burrito Byway

15. So, whether it is… Chimayo Chile Corrales Chile Lemitar Chile Portales Chile Roswell Chile Las Cruces Chile Hatch Chile Deming Chile We need to preserve OUR chile

17. Parting Thoughts Listen for NMCC ads on the radio Watch for NMCC in your local paper Apply online Ask for New Mexico Certified Chile™ Help preserve our tradition & livelihood

18. Join TODAY! Info.nmchilecertification@gmail.com OR Call Tomas Serna @ 505-948-4550

19. getnmchile.com Keep up to date!

20. Thank You!