NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico farmers brought the heat to Thursday night's first-ever, in-person Golden Chile Awards. The event aims to educate the public on sustainable growing practices and making New Mexico more food secure. "Agriculture is our third largest economic sector in the state, and yet much of what is grown and raised here leaves the state. So, to be able to build out agriculture in our state...to go from 4% to 10.8% over the last five years is a huge leap that creates food security," said Executive Director Pam Roy, Farm to Table. El Malpais National Monument celebrates Bat Week with educational programs This is the third year food producers earned awards for selling food to local institutions, following water and soil conservation practices, as well as sustainable and organic farming practices. This is the first time the event was in person.