Release courtesy of the New Mexico Economic Development Department
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Office of Business Advocacy was contacted in May by Border Foods, Inc., a Deming green chile processor, on the status of the company’s minor-use permit application process, which was needed for the use of new equipment with the late July through early August harvest season. The standard application process is 60 days but the non-issuance of the minor source permit within 60 days would have impacted the company’s ability to hire the next growing season of employees and impact its ability to enter into purchase agreements with a host of local farmers.
“It was critical that we assisted Border Foods in getting the permit process completed,” Economic Development Department Secretary Jon Barela said. “And with cooperation and assistance across many lines, Border Foods was able to save many jobs and continue to contribute to the Luna County economy.”
Border Foods is touted as the largest processor of green chile in the U.S. and a major employer in Luna County with 900 employees during chile season. Border Foods processes green chile, jalapeno peppers, and tomatillos and manufactures enchilada sauces for both the branded and private label markets. During peak chile harvest season, the facility processes about 1.25 million pounds of product a day.
The Office of Business Advocacy contacted the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Air Quality Bureau regarding the 60-day timeline to issue the permit. Working with an NMED permit writer, the company was able to detail its request and need to have the permit within 60 days. Despite a host of other very complex permitting actions pending, the permit writer understood the production timelines unique to New Mexico’s agricultural industry and agreed to work toward the requested timeline.
“Without the permit, which had to be received to coincide with the chile harvest, we would have been running at a reduced rate of throughput, approximately 25 percent less. That would translate into almost 200 jobs,” said Randy Clarke, CEO of Border Foods.
Border Foods officials in Deming along with the Deming-Luna County Economic Development organization were please the company was able to meet all its contracted agreements with local chile farmers and the seasonal workers required. Border Foods continues to increase both seasonal and full-time employees.
“We are proud to say that Border Foods is still in our community,” said Linda Smrkovsky, executive director of Deming Luna County Economic Development. “This positive outcome would not have occurred without the collaboration and support of the New Mexico Economic Development Department and Deming Luna County Economic Development. Success comes from strong networks, partnership and people caring about people.”
In May, the company announced its acquisition by condiment maker, Mizkan EuroAmericas. Mizkan EuroAmericas produces retail condiments brands and is the leading supplier of Asian condiments. The acquisition of Border Foods is expected to broaden the product diversification opportunities for Border Foods.
For more information on the Office of Business Advocacy visit http://www.edd.state.nm.us/businessAdvocacy/index.html.
