Important! NV State Legislature will consider cutting an important NDOA program

This is so important -- to farmers, to the economy, and to us!  The Nevada Legislature will soon consider cutting a department that is vital to all  food  grown and sold in Nevada. It looks like the NDOA programs that our local farmers are affiliated with are once again in danger of being eliminated. Food grown and sold by local farmers is integrally tied to this program, and therefore also to anyone who values local food and a local economy.  Please read the entire post and take a few minutes to contact your assembly and senate representatives today.  We've heard they'll meet to discuss this on February 23rd.

We've included some important talking points to cut and past into emails, and contact info is included.


Senator Steven Horsford has proposed that one way to ‘balance the budget’ is to eliminate Plant Industry from the Department of Agriculture – believe it or not this is actually being considered as a reasonable option.

Plant Industry programs cover plant pathology, chemistry, noxious weeds, pesticide regulation/registration, nursery, entomology, seed certification, organic certification, producer's certificates for produce and eggs, farmer’s markets, export services and more.

If you value the Plant Industry’s programs please take the time to notify your Assemblyperson and/or Senator and let them know what these programs mean to you.

Input directly to your representative is the most powerful message -- here's how to contact yours.  If you have time take this approach.
Go here to find out who your assembly and senate reps are. Patience is required; this site is not user friendly

Email addresses can be found here. Assembly contact info  Senate contact info

Be sure to direct your comments to Senator Horsford at shorsford@sen.state.nv.us, with a copy to Lynn Hettrick at lchettrick@gov.nv.gov.

If time is too short use the general contact channels.  Contact the Senate and the Assembly.


Here's what our representatives need to know about how important this program is to the state, but you might also take some time to tell them how you feel as a consumer and a member of your community.
 
To Nevada Assembly and Senate:

It has come to my attention that a proposal was made by Senator Steven Horsford to eliminate the Plant Industry from the Nevada Department of Agriculture as a way to "balance the budget."

I am writing to say that eliminating or reducing the Plant Industry will create a dire and adverse impact on our state's economy and the health of our communities.

• Hundreds of large and small farms and businesses are dependent on the services of the nursery, seed certification, organic certification and export services. Without these services, many will be forced out of business or suffer significant loss of earnings.

• Farmers markets across the state rely on the Plant Industry for producer's certificates for produce and eggs sold at the markets. These markets generate millions of dollars a year to our urban and rural communities. Loss of services will mean loss of income to farmers and other vendors, merchants, and the tax and revenue divisions of individual communities.

• The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program which provides fresh produce to low-income seniors and similar programs that provide locally-grown produce to low-income populations would be jeopardized by the loss of the Plant Industry.

• Consumer demand for locally-grown food continues to increase dramatically due to concerns for food safety and health. For the first time in decades, small farms are being rejuvenated and expanding operations due to the trend for local food. Elimination of the Plant Industry will be the demise of the small family farm.

The NDOA Plant Industry supports our state's economy and our citizens' health. I urge you to continue funding for this service.

THANKS in advance for taking action.  Good things happen when we get involved!