About Our Association
The Hatch Chile Association is a grower-led organization dedicated to protecting the authenticity and integrity of Hatch chile for farmers and consumers alike.
Mission
To protect and promote the growing, processing, and marketing of chile grown in the Hatch Valley.
Vision
Easy authentication for products made with Hatch Chile through the use of our certified HATCH logo.
Values
Honesty, Integrity, and Truth in Labeling.
Board of Directors
Our board is made up of working Hatch Valley farmers and industry leaders who bring generations of experience to the mission of protecting authentic Hatch chile.
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President
Duane Gillis
Multi-generational Hatch Valley farmer. The Gillis family built the valley's first chile dehydrator in 1964 and is known for uniquely flavored chile and high-quality onions.
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Vice President
Randy Garay
Runs M.A & Sons with his mother Mary and brothers Frank and Patrick. The family farms chile, corn, alfalfa, oats, and pecans.
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Director
Keith Franzoy
Lifelong Hatch Valley resident who returned to farm in 1990 after college. Passionate about preserving authentic Hatch flavor.
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Director
Shayne Franzoy
Great-grandson of Joseph Franzoy, Hatch's first chile farmer. The Chile River operation farms chile, wheat, corn, cotton, pecans, and watermelons.
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Director
Scott Adams
Six generations and 40 years farming the Hatch Valley. Devoted to protecting the Hatch name so consumers get authentic Hatch chile.
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Director (Ex Officio)
Preston Mitchell
Grew up in Hatch and began selling his family's green chile in Santa Fe in 4th grade. Launched the online version of Berridge Farms; earned a BBA and a Master's in Accounting from New Mexico State University; merged a Las Cruces chile-roasting company and his grandparents' online business into The Hatch Chile Store.