The American Indian Business Enterprise at New Mexico State University is among the recipients of a $12 million grant from the Native American Agricultural Fund to support Native American farmers and ranchers across 15 states.

The fund is a private, charitable trust created to serve and support projects for Native American farmers and ranchers, encompassing a variety of services and products. The objective of the fund is to enhance Native Americans’ contribution in the agricultural sector.

The American Indian Business Enterprise, or AIBE, Center is part of Arrowhead Center at NMSU, and is among 49 recipients of the grant to support more than 160,000 Native American farmers, ranchers and producers. The AIBE Center will provide multiple services, including agricultural education, business training and access to capital, in addition to freeze-drying and supply chain services to enhance supply chain resiliency.

Perishability of agricultural products is a primary bottleneck for Native American farmers and ranchers, who often reside in remote areas. To address this, the AIBE Center has partnered with Backyard Farms, a lyophilization technology company, that will provide freeze-drying services.

“Backyard Farms is delighted to introduce this lyophilization, or freeze-drying, technology to farmers that will boost the profitability of their farming operations and enhance food supply in the region,” said Rachael Ryan, founder and CEO of Backyard Farms.

Events over the past two years revealed the fragility of local supply chains. This fragility is amplified in remote regions with limited access to resources that can address supply chain disruptions. The AIBE Center also partnered with the Center for Supply Chain Entrepreneurship, a research center at NMSU, to provide supply chain services to Native American farmers.

 “We are extremely excited to be working with AIBE and Arrowhead Center to enhance the supply chain capabilities of New Mexico and the surrounding region,” said Victor Pimentel, director of the Center for Supply Chain Entrepreneurship and an assistant professor of management at NMSU.

“Thanks to the NAAF award, we are excited to serve Native American entrepreneurs, specifically farmers, ranchers and producers who will increase economic opportunity in their communities,” said Brooke Montgomery, director of the AIBE Center.

To learn more about the project, contact the AIBE Center at aibe@nmsu.edu or 575-646-3436.