New Mexico taxpayer funding for culturally significant okra and anti-Israel activism?

Here at RGF we look at a lot of information on a lot of different topics, but we never thought we’d be talking about taxpayer dollars used for “culturally significant okra.” Specifically, according to a press release we received from NM’s Economic Development Department, Ashokra Farm in Albuquerque just received $25,000 from New Mexico taxpayers.

We thought it was a funny story involving a (relatively) small amount of wasteful spending until we were alerted to the Farm’s Facebook page. This is no ordinary farm. It’s a “queer and people of color farm.” Okay, that may be fine. You can read all about how the farm “protects from the threats of homophobia, transphobia, racism and sexism” in The Guardian.

It is ALSO a farm that urges at its Facebook page (screenshot below): “Farmers – please boycott these companies in support of a FREE PALESTINE AND END TO THE GENOCIDE that is currently being funded by Israel and the United States.” The Agricultural companies listed are based in Israel and are helping to fund the Israeli Defense Force.

If you are concerned about your tax dollars going to radical causes like this, I’d recommend sharing this story with your local newspaper or TV station. You can email Secretary Rob Black: rob.black@edd.nm.gov There is a full list of EDD personnel here. But most of all we need new legislators and a better Gov. than MLG in the 2026 election.