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New Mexico Chile Association
About Us
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The mission of the NMCA is to create an environment in the NM region that reinstates us as the world leader in chile production, processing, and innovations.

Our Leadership:

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NMCA President
Gene Baca is the Senior Vice-President for Bueno Foods Inc, helping to continue a New Mexico tradition started by his father.

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 Lou Biad
NMCA Secretary
Lou Biad is the owner of Rezolex, Ltd., Co. a modern, state of the art processing facility of paprika oleoresin.  In addition, the Biad family owns and operates extensive farming operations and four major chile de-hydrating plants from Texas to Arizona.  Rezolex is one of only two oleoresin extracting companies in the country.

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 Dino Cervantes
NMCA Treasurer
Dino is a partner in the family owned Cervantes Enterprises located in La Mesa, NM.

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Rick Ledbetter
Rick has been involved in chile production since 2002.  He is a lifelong resident of Portales, NM where his Dad and Grandad also farmed.   Rick  grew his first crop during his senior year in high school in 1974.   In addition to chile he also grows corn, cotton, wheat and alfalfa.  In the past he have grown potatoes, onions, green beans and peanuts.

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Marvin Clary
NMCA Board Member
Marvin has been an Agronomist with Border Foods for 19 years.  He was born in Deming, returned and has lived there for the last 21 years.  He has also lived in Artesia and Hatch.   

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Jaye Hawkins
NMCA Executive Director
Media Contact
Jaye is a native of New Mexico and NMSU Alumni. 

Why we need the NM Chile Association:

  • We are the only chile related group that is able to lobby and raise funds for political purposes. 
  • We are working to obtain more automation for our industry which will allow us to compete with the global market.
  • We arrange for funding and oversee public and private research to ensure the industry needs are met.
  • We need an aggressive and informed advocate to help our industry overcome challenges that lie ahead.
  • Our industry is full of promise.  Demand is skyrocketing and we produce the best chile in the world.

Our Agenda

  • Establish and direct research that meets the industry’s most urgent needs.
  • Work with state and federal officials to obtain funding to automate the industry icluding: harvesting, cleaning and de-stemming.
  • Lobby for laws that work for our industry regarding issues such as: Minimum wage, workers compensation laws, immigration, free trade issues and regulation.
  • Publicize the importance of our industry and the help we need to survive and thrive.
  • Serve as a resource to industry members to provide information they can use.
  •  Promote the use of New Mexico chile and chile products.
  • Coordinate our activities with NMSU, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the NM Chile Commission and the Chile Institute to maximize the influence and effectiveness of the chile industry.
  • Assist industry members to remain competitive.