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Lawmakers Push Forward Proposal for ‘Red or Green Chile Month’ in New Mexico

What’s your pick—red, green, or Christmas? Soon, New Mexicans and visitors alike may have the entire month of August to savor and celebrate the state’s most iconic crop, as a bill proposing “Red or Green Chile Month” gains momentum in the legislature.

Proposal Clears First Hurdle with Unanimous Support

House Bill 172, introduced by Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences), took a significant step forward Tuesday morning. The House Rural Development, Land Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee gave it a unanimous do-pass vote, signaling strong bipartisan support.

Dow emphasized the bill’s importance in recognizing New Mexico’s status as the “Chile Capital of the World” and highlighting the economic and cultural significance of chile farming in the state.

“It’ll provide us the opportunity (in) all four corners of the state, all 33 counties, to celebrate chile and New Mexico,” she told lawmakers. “We really want to have an opportunity to elevate awareness and celebrate our producers and what’s unique to our state.”

If passed, August would be officially designated as “Red or Green Chile Month” annually, further cementing chile’s place in New Mexico’s identity.

Mexico chile ristras

Building on New Mexico’s Chile Legacy

New Mexico has long embraced its deep-rooted chile culture. In 1996, the state legislature declared “Red or Green?” the official state question. Just last year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill recognizing the scent of roasting green chile as the state’s official aroma.

Chile farming is not just a cultural staple—it’s a key part of the state’s economy.

Travis Day, executive director of the New Mexico Chile Association, provided lawmakers with striking figures:

  • In 2023, New Mexico farmers harvested 8,800 acres of chile.
  • The crop generated approximately $41.5 million in value.

However, chile farming faces challenges, including labor shortages and competition from foreign imports. Advocates hope that “Red or Green Chile Month” will bring fresh attention to the industry and attract more investment.

Chile Tourism Could Get a Boost

Beyond economic benefits for farmers, the proposal could also give a lift to tourism. The New Mexico True campaign, a state-run tourism initiative, is expected to play a key role in developing chile-focused tours and events across all 33 counties.

Joe Wellborn, a New Mexico Chile Association board member, pointed to the potential impact of a dedicated month-long celebration.

“We are trying to build an agricultural tourism industry in New Mexico, and this has to be part of it,” he said.

Some local events already capitalize on chile’s popularity. The Hatch Chile Festival, held annually over Labor Day weekend, draws thousands of visitors. Lisa Franzoy, an organizer of the festival and lifelong Hatch resident, voiced her support for the bill, underscoring chile’s importance to the state’s identity.

“We’ve already got our license plates, we already have our billboards,” Franzoy said. “And chile is an important industry to New Mexico, to every New Mexican.”

What’s Next for the Bill?

With unanimous committee support, HB 172 now moves on to the next stage in the legislative process. While no major opposition has surfaced, lawmakers will need to continue rallying support as the bill advances.

For chile lovers, August could soon become an official month of celebration, a time to savor the flavors that define New Mexico’s culinary and agricultural heritage.

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