BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) – Idaho has its potatoes. Florida has its fresh fruits and juices. Vidalia is the name synonymous with the nation’s most famous sweet onion.
Now New Mexico has its own trademark and certification program to protect the reputation and integrity of its signature crop: chile.
Gov. Susana Martinez, members of the New Mexico Chile Association and other officials unveiled the program before a packed room of chile aficionados gathered Tuesday at The Range Cafe, the first restaurant to sign up.
Martinez described chile as a way of life in New Mexico. Aside from being a part of breakfast, lunch and dinner, the chile industry contributes more than $460 million every year to the state’s economy and employs about 4,000 workers.
The governor said consumers – whether in New Mexico or New York City – shouldn’t have to wonder whether they’re getting real New Mexico-grown chile.