LEMITAR, N.M.- The New Mexico Chile Association wants local chile pepper farmers to become state-certified amid more competition from foreign growers. Association president Glen Duggins told KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week farmers are seeing more foreign imports from as far as China or India.

He says some of the imported chile peppers are sold under the New Mexico name. Meanwhile, Duggins says state farmers are moving to other more profitable crops. State officials are pressuring local farmers to get their peppers the “Certified New Mexico Chile” label by the New Mexico Chile Association. There are only five large farms that are certified out of about 20 across New Mexico.

Information from: KOAT-TV.