Our successes are a result of hard work, the inspiration that we receive from our community and the determination to succeed. As a 501(c)3 CDC, social justice issues are at the core of all activities, programs and projects. In our mission to “support the food, land, water and cultures of the people of Northern New Mexico,” TCEDC has focused on: maintaining equity and ownership for land-based people, overcoming poverty, and providing access to education, business and other sector opportunities. In this historically agrarian region, the Food Sector represents an appropriate, relevant, and viable economic opportunity as well as a means to hold on to tradition, culture, and quality of life. The marginalization of this rural community and its ties to agriculture has fueled TCEDC’s efforts to demonstrate that sustainable “livelihoods in agricultural and food-related enterprises are vital and successful strategies for limited resource food producers, particularly women and people of color.”

TCEDC’s accomplishments illuminate the possibilities that exist for communities that engage in relationships that support the values of the people and provide an environment for encouragement and assistance. Some of TCEDC’s accomplishments are: the development, construction and operation of a 24,000 sq. ft business park and community center, which includes a 5,000 sq. ft commercial food processing facility (the Taos Food Center); the creation projects and operation of a community garden and greenhouse which links numerous community groups and individuals to opportunities within the agricultural value-added sector; the operation of a small business direct services program serving over 200 individual clients each year; the development and operation of a 14,000 sq. ft small business incubator; the creation and implementation of the Food Sector Opportunities Program and “Oso Good Foods” cause marketing campaign and numerous other projects.

In 2005 TCEDC in partnership with First Nations Development Institute, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders hosted two (2) conference forums. In February 2005 the 1st Forum Conference welcomed more than 50 people from all over the nation to discuss food agriculture related topics. In June 2005 the 2nd Forum Conference "Building Partnerships for Sustainable Food Systems in Native American Communities" also welcomed more than 75 participants from all over the country. It is the intention of TCEDC to continue offering these types of events to bring together resources to help communities in their journeys to better food and agriculture systems.