Learn to grow food in Northern Nevada on a community scale

The other night at the Slow Food Reno Fall Potluck Rick Lattin talked about a few of the most important agricultural and local food programs to develop over the last 10 years or so.  Among them is the Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute.  This program reaches out to people who want to grow food on a community scale and teaches them how it's done.  Much of the new local food grown in Nevada comes not from existing large commodity crop farms (hay, alfalfa, etc.) converting to specialty crops (tomatoes, fava beans, etc.) but from folks who want to grow food on just a few acres, so these workshops are for anyone who interested in local food production.  The Romanos (see pic) are excellent examples of contemporary farmers.

Here's another fantastic and versatile program for both approaches. When I get to work today I'm going to ask the boss for November 19th off!

From my mailbox to you:

Learning to Grow Our Own

Demand for locally-grown food continues to rise, and an increasing number of Northern Nevada farmers are interested in growing fresh produce for consumers. However, many do not have the knowledge or training to produce these specialty crops.

In response to this need, Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute announces an Introduction to Specialty Crop Production Workshop for the commercial grower.

The one-day workshop will be Friday, Nov. 19, at the Jeanne Dini Cultural Center in Yerington. Cost is $15 if registered by November 11, $25 after November 11. Lunch is included.

Participants will learn what products are considered specialty crops, and gain an understanding of the potential for growing and selling these high-value, direct-marketed crops in Northern Nevada. Topics will include hoop houses and season extension practices, viticulture, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) and more. Three local farmers will discuss their successes in specialty crop production.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture will present a session on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program that provides funding to individuals and groups for projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. These projects include research, promotion, marketing, food safety, education, product development and more. Staff will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions about the program and other NDOA programs.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative education program to teach alternative farming methods, allowing growers to diversify from low-value crops to high-value, direct-marketed specialty crops; increase per-acre return; and manage water efficiently. It is made possible with funding from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and USDA/AMS through the Specialty Crop Block Grant.

For workshop registration or details, contact Ann Louhela at 775-351-2551 or louhelaa@wnc.edu.