Pioneer NMSU horticulturalist recognized with hall of fame honor

After two years of delays, in 2021 Fabián García was finally inducted into the National Agricultural Center’s Hall of Fame in Kansas. García was a Mexican immigrant and horticulturalist whose research at NMSU helped influence agriculture nationwide. 

In 1894, García became a member of the first graduating class of New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, now known as NMSU.

García joins the ranks of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Eli Whitney, among other notable contributors to agriculture. García is the first Hispanic and first New Mexican hall of fame inductee. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte nominated García for the distinction.

“It was a great honor to be present and witness the induction ceremony recognizing a true agriculture icon,” Witte says. “His influence on agriculture and our cuisine continues today, over 100 years since his legacy began.”