Local Food Northern Nevada

My outspoken perspective on the MSFL issue

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:08:00 +0000

Here is an opportunity for me to be politically correct and play nice when talking about UNR and the Main Station Field Laboratory (MSFL)...but I think I'll pass this time and speak out instead. There are many places to read the "can't we all get along" version of this situation, but stakeholder activists experienced a very different, less warm and fuzzy version of this well known local topic. It's my blog so I'll tell you about it here. The subject is complex and this post is long...read on.

For the sake of full disclosure, I am a member of the Coalition to Preserve UNR Farmland and Floodplain but write this account outside of that role. The Coalition is not responsible for this post. Again, it's my blog and I am responsible for its content.

Before I get started...UNR obtained from the Reno City Council the zoning proposal they sought and will likely proceed with internal plans to make the property ready for sale, but we have not given up hope that they can be held accountable for their responsibilities as a land-grant university. On April 1st the Nevada State Legislature will consider SB 255, a bill that will require funds acquired from the sale of agricultural assets be expended on agricultural programs. Undoubtedly UNR and the Board of Regents have their best minds and biggest guns assigned to Carson City, charged with convincing our representatives that this bill will adversely affect higher education in our state...a political hot button this session. Contact all the legislators to encourage them to support SB 255. Democrats especially, may need your encouragement.

Last year UNR presented to the Reno City Council a PUD proposal detrimental to our last piece of urban agricultural land, the health of the ag research and education program, and to the residents who live around the property in question. In response to tremendous public opposition, the Council directed UNR to meet with the public and address their concerns.

UNR went through the motions of holding stakeholder meetings and set their PR department to touting UNR’s responsiveness, their renewed dedication to local food and agricultural research and education, and their appreciation for their public and private stakeholders.

As good humans will do, we trusted them when they said they were genuinely receptive to community feedback: we marshaled all our intelligence, passion, and knowledge to help them understand the importance of a 21st century ag education program and the benefits to Nevada, the region, ag students, and the potential long term benefit to UNR's revenue stream. Local food advocates, CABNR (College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources), and local agricultural interests spent hundreds of unpaid hours developing a fantastic, workable strategic plan for a cutting edge agricultural research and new-farmer incubator program.

We ignored the bad signs and remained cautiously optimistic because we wanted to believe, but it turns out our hopes was misplaced. Some of the signs....

Stakeholder meetings were held without benefit of notes recorded by UNR staff, and refusal to acknowledge meeting notes as recorded by stakeholders, meant that stakeholders walked away feeling there was an understanding only to find out later that UNR had no recollection of the understanding.

Letters and feedback to the Board of Regents were met with either generic thank-you replies or silence.

Every Reno City Council meeting was packed with UNR attorneys, real estate development personnel, planners, soil experts who seemed to know little to nothing about agricultural soil, and flood mitigation experts. Hardly the activities you’d expect of a “partner”.

We wanted to believe that the Reno City Council was ready to consider a new approach to planning. That they were willing to stand up to the formidable UNR team and hold steady in the face the veiled references to further legal action should they not approve the proposal. We wanted to believe the Council would respond in favor of the people who make up the community and have spoken out about this proposal. Two new members did -- Councilwoman Brekhus and Councilman Delgado considered the alternative options, stayed within the boundaries of the law, and cast their vote in favor of the residents who will live with increased flood damage exacerbated by the impermeable surfaces inherent in development. By casting their vote "To protect life and property in areas subject to floods, landslides and other natural disasters." they supported the community's desire to put the 104 acres on the planning map as open space, and keep it suitable for research and food security initiatives. Thank you!

The end result? On March 27^th UNR put the exact same PUD proposal before the Council, having made no changes to the language. At the meeting there was some talk of easement and landscaping on the remaining farm property but nothing that addressed shareholder concerns was made legally binding. Over the last year or so, and during the course of the applicant and public comment, UNR spun a lovely picture of cooperation and dedication, and repeated for our benefit the steps already taken to develop a "better" agricultural program and work with stakeholders. Here it's important to know what UNR didn't say.

UNR made many assertions about commitment and intent but were unwilling to commit their promises to paper in a legally binding way, that is, in the PUD. They declined this suggested option and the Council as a whole did not seem to think it was necessary. Why would UNR not honor their statements, right?

President Marc Johnson also "demonstrated" his commitment to stakeholders by holding up The Valley Road Field Station as an alternative to the Main Station Field Lab. These forty some-odd acres are dedicated to agricultural education so stakeholder needs have been met. Except...this land is unsuitable for growing crops due to chemical contamination and soil compaction; portions of it have been used for parking and specialty crop plants can't take root. Weeds, yes. Food, no. A few years ago students tried to grow food on that property and it was an abysmal mess. There's a reason hoop houses and greenhouses were considered for this site. It's because that land will not support healthy food growth for a very long time.

President Johnson further demonstrates UNR's commitment to ag research and stakeholders through the contract with the High Desert Farming Institute (HDFI). Except...the contract has not resulted in a program. Papers were signed but the actions have been less than productive. Here , Mark Farrell of Hungry Mother Organics and one of the HDFI private partners, describes what is really happening with this initiative and calls UNR on their blatant misrepresentation of their intent, both inside and outside the Reno City Council chamber. Go to the video and start watching at the 7 hours 33 minutes mark. Mark says what we all know.

UNR intentionally and continuously sidestepped the real community concerns and kept the dialogue focused on two feel-good topics that were easy to manage on paper and in the media. Specifically, Wolf Pack Meats and the roughly 800 acres not proposed for zoning.

First, Wolf Pack Meats. UNR repeated over and over again they have no intension to close WPM, therefore stakeholder needs have been addressed. This sounds really good, except directly shutting down the program isn't the only way to dispose of it. It is true the doors are still open, but the meat processing fees were increased by 24 cents per pound when only a 12 cent increase was needed to put the program in the black and make the prices consistent with those of other meat processing businesses. Twelve cents was agreed upon at a stakeholder meeting, but the 24 cent increase was the one implemented. I found out about it while on a public tour of WPM (see the sign below). Local ranchers will be forced to pass this increase on to consumers if they are to stay in business. And we all know what happens when prices are not competitive...consumers go elsewhere This move could very well result in the closure of WPM if ranchers can no longer afford to pay the increased fee and are forced to stop using the facility. Unused facilities are shut down. UNR will still be able say they didn't close down Wolf Pack Meats, but it would be closed non-the-less.

Next, UNR asserts there will be no significant change to the value of the MSFL property as an agricultural asset because more than 800 acres will remain in play, therefore stakeholder needs have been met. Except…they deliberately disregard the fact that the 104 acre parcel is the best and last piece of human-food-production farmland in the city, and it is the portion of this field best able to absorb flood water. UNR acquired commercial zoning for this particular piece of land because it runs along McCarran, an attractive attribute to developers looking for maximum visual exposure. They value the location while we value the land.

President Johnson discounted the MSFL Strategic Plan as unrealistic and unworkable because the university does not have the resources needed to develop the program. By definition a strategic plan outlines resources needed to attain a lofty goal. - something to be worked towards. It is not an inventory of available resources.

UNR has been presenting this as a private property zoning issue. It is not. UNR is a public entity, responsible to Nevadans as stewards of our educational funding and assets. They can say all they want that we have no authority, but we beg to differ.

The Board of Regents has rules stipulating funding generated from the sale of agricultural assets will be funneled back to agricultural programs. Sounds good, right? Except…they are allowed to set aside these rules and they do it routinely, instead deciding to expend the money to pay off debt and buy other things.

And finally, UNR's legal counsel demonstrated what I thought was a most disturbing attitude regarding this issue and the community's opposition.

First, the head of UNR’s legal team told the City Council over and over that the proposal before them was simple...the only consideration was the zoning. This issue is anything but simple -- it is very complex and involves much more than UNR's need for revenue.

Second, he commented on the audacity of those in opposition who "think they know better than UNR the best use of this land".

Yes we are audacious...we believe it is our responsibility to preserve and cherish our heritage, our legacy, our future.

I like to believe that “Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not yet the end.” (Sonny from Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) See you out there!

GMO labeling in Nevada - AB330 (previously know as BDR 955) is on the table

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:02:00 +0000

Nevada has joined 22 other states that have put GMO labeling bills on the table in 2013. If you read this blog it's likely you are already aware of the concerns surrounding GMO labeling so I won't get on my soapbox, but I will provide a link to Label GMO Nevada and encourage you to contact your lawmakers now and tell them you support BDR 955 (update - the bill has a final name and it is AB330).

Organizers and supports must act quickly on this bill because the timeline is short:

March 18 – Bill must be assigned to a committee. Speaker, Marilyn Kirkpatrick does the assigning.
March 25 – Committee bills must be in.
April 12 – Bill must be approved by the committee and sent to the Assembly for a vote.
April 23 – Bill must be approved by the first house
May 17 – Second house, bill must be approved by committee
May 24 – Second house – bill must be approved
June 3 – end of legislative session. Next one is 2015!

Volunteers are working hard to get the word out but funding must come from us. Donate if you can!

We're all really busy so a click and support button would be a nice option but our lawmakers respond best to a brief, personally written encouragement to support. Take a minute to find out who your lawmakers are (link also provided at Label GMO Nevada) and tell them you want them to support AB330.

We've all seen the power of Monsanto and Friends, and the money they are willing to spend to defeat these initiatives - more than $35 million went into defeating Prop 37 in California. The good news is, post-election polls show that even those who voted "no" actually support labeling. The money bought votes but it didn't change values.

MAIN STATION FIELD LABORATORY - A COMMUNITY VIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:44:00 +0000

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has submitted to the Reno City Council (Council) a proposal to zone 104 acres of the Main Station Field Laboratory (MSFL) light industrial, in preparation for commercial sale. UNR and the Board of Regents (Regents) are pushing through with this proposal in spite of overwhelming opposition and ongoing concern about food security, due diligence, and the safety and cost issues associated with flood water storage capacity. Homeowners, businesses, planners, government agencies, farmers, ranchers, local food and business advocates, UNR students and the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources Advisory Board (CABNR) have been and continue to be in opposition to this proposal.

On March 27, 2013 the Council will again consider the UNR proposal. Go to the end of this post to RSVP for the meeting to show your support and help us demonstrate to the Council the level of community opposition to the proposal.

Here is what the Coalition to Preserve the UNR Farmland and Floodplain (Coalition) wants you to know about this issue.

At the Council’s request UNR conducted a series of workshops to identify and address stakeholder concerns. However, the concerns remain unanswered.

The land in question floods on a regular basis, which is bad for business and residents but great for agriculture and open space. This land has experienced at least 14 one-hundred year floods on the Truckee River, Steamboat Creek, or both, since records started being kept in 1864, meaning the land floods roughly every 10 years. The Truckee River Flood Project plans to use this space for a multimillion dollar flood control project, which will utilize the open land to store flood waters for the safety of the entire Truckee Meadows. Industrial development will reduce floodwater storage capacity on this land, thus increasing the flood danger to area families and businesses, and costing tax payers more money.

In addition, since this land is almost entirely in Critical Flood Zone 1, if development is allowed, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will adjust the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), resulting in a significant financial burden in the form of flood insurance premiums for surrounding residents and commercial properties on the west side of McCarran. Flood insurance requirements could adversely affect future commercial activity.

UNR asserts the104 acres, located on the east side of McCarran, are suitable for commercial use because the land west of McCarran is already built out with commercial development. However, a 64-acre parcel at the northwest corner of the McCarran and Mill intersection is owned by the Truckee River Flood Management Authority. The land further east and southeast of McCarran is primarily residential. The 104 acres should be set aside for flood plain, open space, and agricultural use so that it remains in character with the existing neighborhood.

UNR is a land grant university with one of its core missions being agricultural research. Since 2004, universities have seen a 31% increase in agricultural science enrollment, per the Capitol Press. UNR is situated in a unique climatic region and is ideally positioned to foster a modern agriculture research program dealing with drought and extreme temperature swings. Should this zoning pass and a sale follow (and it will, otherwise why spend so much money and effort to have it zoned for maximum monetary value), our most valuable agricultural assets – land and education – will be lost.

As stewards of our land-grant university mission and educational program UNR has a responsibility to develop and maintain an agricultural program in Nevada. Instead, the systematic sale of Nevada Experiment Station property and assets and the ongoing reduction of agricultural college staffing levels have greatly curtailed the university’s ability to meet this responsibility.

Should this property be sold, the original parcel will be reduced from 1,000+ to fewer than 700 acres, leaving approximately 650 acres available for agricultural research. The proposed and completed land transactions we are currently aware of would result in the loss of over 38% of research land on this parcel alone.Other publically owned farmlands under the Regent’s stewardship have already been sold and the resulting income used for purposes other than agriculture program development. MSFL is the only remaining urban farmland in the region – the Coalition community is encouraging UNR and the Regents to consider this land a piece of a larger plan to further develop the burgeoning local food economy, create jobs, and protect area residents and businesses.

UNR is offering the Valley Road Field Laboratory (VRFL) as an alternative site for agricultural research. However, soil conditions at the VRFL cannot support field studies on crop plants due to contamination from previous chemical research. While the High Desert Farming Initiative (HDFI) should be applauded for its focus on in-ground organic hoop house production, MSFL is a better location for this and other agriculture programs. The soil is perfect for growing food crops for human consumption because it routinely floods and is reinvigorated with river sediment.

Additionally, when UNR installed the HDFI in the VRFL hoop houses, the Master Gardener program was displaced. The hoop houses provided Master Gardeners a place to experiment with different crops suitable for home gardening and to grow seedlings for the hugely popular Plant Faire fundraiser. The University of Nevada,Cooperative Extension estimates that in 2011 the Master Gardener program contributed $230,000 in volunteer effort to the community; the value of their food-growing expertise is incalculable. The number of new home gardeners has increased steadily for years – the Master Gardener program is need now more than ever.

The average American farmer is 57 years old. Large numbers of them will retire soon and we will need new young farmers to take their place. An increasing number of young people are drawn to agriculture and are enrolling at universities with sustainable-agriculture degree and certification programs; students want to learn how to use cutting edge technology to produce food in a sustainable way, free of pesticides and herbicides.

Local experts in sustainable agriculture, CABNR, and UNCE recently came together to develop the Main Station Field Laboratory Strategic Plan, for consideration by UNR and the Regents. This plan demonstrates what a cutting edge program might look like; it includes programs like small plot development, a small farm incubator program, and small farm certification programs. Our university system still holds the agricultural assets necessary to develop this kind of program – a degree program that will draw young people here and keep Nevada’s students in-state. This land is vital to a 21st century program.

The only USDA certified meat processing and packaging facility in Nevada, Wolf Pack Meats (WPM), is located on the Main Station Field Laboratory. Many Nevada ranchers and farmers use this facility because it is close and the USDA stamp allows them to sell their products by piece directly to consumers. The proposed zoning will result in development next to a slaughtering facility, which historically has shown to be in conflict with commercial activities, as complaints about odors, noise, and activities will ensue. When this happens Nevadans will lose an agricultural infrastructure treasure that is important for our economy and local food security.

UNR has repeatedly assured us they will not, and have no intention to, close Wolf Pack Meats (WPM), however recent administrative decisions put the facility at risk.

Before the UNR meat sciences program was closed WPM operated as a research facility, not a business. When UNR and community stakeholders met in early 2012 to review the WPM financials, they determined that it was operating in the red. The group agreed that a 12 cent per pound increase would keep WPM open and in the black as a UNR business entity, maintain access for the ranchers and farmers who process their animals at the facility, and bring the prices in line with other area meat packing companies.

At an August 2012 follow-up meeting, UNR and stakeholders determined that WPM was indeed operating in the black and was no longer a burden on the University. CABNR has plans to hire an animal nutritionist to conduct research involving processing at WPM, thereby returning part of the operation of the facility to research. Stakeholders at that meeting were given the impression that this was sufficient to maintain current prices at WPM.

Recently, UNR announced an additional 12 cent increase, to take effect March 14, 2013.The cumulated 24 cent per pound cost hike results in a 36% cost increase for local farmers, ranchers, and consumers. WPM is operating in the black and has a nine-month waiting list so a price increase is not necessary to keep the facility financially viable. However, these prices will be a big blow to many of our ranchers and farmers. They will be forced to take their business elsewhere, providing UNR a reason to close WPM due to lack of use.

Governor Sandoval recently indentified agriculture as a huge economic driver for Nevada. UNR could enhance Nevada’s agricultural economy, address stakeholder concerns, and help create jobs by revitalizing the agriculture research program.

In his letter to the RGJ editor on February 6th Michael Harper pointed out a good reason for the Council to reject this proposal: Regional planning based on one institution’s financial plans does not address the needs of the community at large.

As a community that values local food, open space preservation and floodplain conservation, and our land grant university’s intended purpose, the community expects the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and Washoe County master plans to be updated to reflect this trend and tie into the Governor's proposed state plan as it applies to flooding and agriculture.

Please come to the Reno City Council meeting on March 27th and support the effort to keep this land in use as intended – as a floodplain and farmland.

We would like to get a count of people that will show up at the meeting. If you plan to attend, please email a "yes" to RSVP@greatbasinfood.coop by March 15. Contact your local, county, and state representatives, as well as the Board of Regents, and ask them to support the rezoning of the 104 acres of UNR farmland to open space.

Reprieve for 104 acres on Main Station Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Thanks to the huge community response, UNR has withdrawn the proposal to rezone Main Station Farm property. The support for the Farm convinced Mr. Johnson that Nevadans value the last of our urban farmland and our agricultural heritage. That land is still designated large residential so is still a candidate for sale for development, but this process has allowed the community to temporarily divert “the development train” and given us time to engage UNR in a discussion about a different future. Woo hoo!

Our numbers : 100-150 people attended the December Reno City Council meeting. Jessica Sferrazza received about 3,800 emails. As of today 11, 907 people have signed the petition to save the farm. Approximately 100 people attended UNR’s Community Forum re: the 104 acres.

What’s next? How about a 21^st century high-desert eco-agriculture program at UNR? There is significant interest in supporting young people who want to stay on the farm or go back to it. A few months ago the Local Food Network conducted a workshop to help the community determine the next steps towards a healthy local food system. Many people participated and the suggestions were numerous, but the one that dominated the top of the list is the need for new farmers and ranchers, and an educational system that teaches 21^st century practices.

Just a few weeks ago someone I’ve known for years talked to me about his plan to partner with a couple of other people to grow a new farm in Nevada. He is now on the hunt for a cutting edge farming education and assistance developing a business model. Accessing the business component is fairly easy. Finding a higher education farming program that teaches high-desert production techniques will be much more difficult. This is where UNR’s comes in.

There is much to do and I hope that the UNR administration and the Board of Regents will call on the people who live and work here to help create a new future, one that includes Wolf Pack Meats and helps us further develop our growing local food system.

Main Station Farm community discussion continues on February 21st

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:21:00 +0000

At the request of the Reno City Council, UNR will hold a public forum regarding the Main Station Farm zoning proposal and the future of the farm. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 21st, 5:30 -7:30 pm at Joe Crowley Student Union. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Free parking will be available on the third and fourth floors of the Whalen Parking Garage and directional signage will be posted on North Virginia Street.

The immediate issue on the table is UNR's request to zone 104 acres of the most fertile land in Reno to light industrial. UNR's stated intent is to protect the property's monetary value for possible future sale to developers or for a proposed flood plain project.

Community stakeholders are floating a different idea. That is, use this invaluable property to enhance Nevada’s future and rebuild an agricultural education program to meet the needs of sophisticated college students and 21^st century challenges and opportunities.

This meeting is our opportunity to convey to UNR the level of community support for a new future and our collective opposition to the zoning proposal.

We know many are in favor of a different future for the Main Station Farm than the one currently in the UNR and Board of Regent plan, and all of us need to be at this meeting. We've heard from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. From those who live near the site to flood plain experts. From those dedicated to Nevada's long-term economic health to those who recognize Wolf Pack Meats as a key component of a healthy local food production system. From students who want to obtain their degree at UNR and put it to use in Nevada, to their parents who want to keep their educational dollars in Nevada. From established and emerging businesses that are creating food-system jobs and incomes, to the customers who buy from them. The list goes on.

UNR will likely return to the Reno City Council in March to continue the rezoning discussion. We hope to convince them to present a totally different proposal than the one on the table now. Join us and be at the meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 -7:30pm in the Joe Crowley Student Union to voice your support for a brighter future.

Learn to grow food when it's cold outside - Eliot Coleman teaches in Nevada

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:32:00 +0000

Many think Nevadans can grow only what our gardens or farms produce between May and September, but we know some farmers and gardeners harvest all year. Here's an opportunity to learn how they do it and what is possible on your piece of land.

Eliot Coleman of Four Season Farm is on the cutting edge of cold region food production and he's coming to northern Nevada to share what he knows.

Coleman grows food year round...in Maine. Using no-energy technology and season-appropriate crop selection he grows food for his table and his business. We discovered his techniques a few years ago when I came across his book, Four Season Harvest, at the Washoe County Library. Since then we've read all his books and have been using what we’ve learned to grow some of our own cold-weather food.

Year round production is not a new concept. One hundred and fifty years ago France fed much of its urban population using year-round agricultural practices in the heart of its towns and cities.
Now is your chance to learn directly from a man who is reviving cold weather production, bringing it into the 21st century and introducing it to the US.

Whether you're a farmer or a backyard gardener this is a fantastic opportunity, not to be missed.
The Saturday workshop is geared towards farmers, the Sunday towards gardeners.

Saturday, February 11
Four Season Farming and Gardening with Eliot Coleman
Saturday, February 11, 9 am - 3:30 pm
RENO HIGH SCHOOL THEATER, 395 BOOTH STREET, RENO
$75 (includes lunch) - $85 after January 27

Sunday, February 12
RAIL CITY GARDEN CENTER, 1720 BRIERLEY WAY, SPARKS
Session 1 - 10:30 am - Noon Session 2 - 1:30 - 3 pm
$45 each session - $50 after January 27

Presented by Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute.
Information/registration: Ann Louhela -775-351-2551 or louhelaa@wnc.edu.

Zoning initiative jeopardizes future of Wolf Pack Meats and northern Nevada's local food infrastructure

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:25:00 +0000

If you love local food and local jobs make your voice heard.

On December 14th @ 6pm the Reno City Council will vote on a Planning Commission recommendation to zone 104 acres of the Main Station Farm for light industrial use making the land accessible for development. Should the Council vote yes, this will open the door to the parceling off and destruction of this valuable piece of urban agricultural land and northern Nevada's agricultural infrastructure.

Though UNR and the Reno City Council are correct when they say the zoning decision to be addressed at the December 14th meeting will not close Wolf Pack Meats, what it really means is it won't close it right now. This will be the first parcel to be paved over and other development initiatives will follow. As development encroaches, opposition to the close proximity of a slaughter facility will surely result in the closure. This has happened to agricultural land everywhere. In the US we pave over 1 acre of prime farmland every minute.

Wolf Pack Meats is the only USDA meat facility in northern Nevada and access to it keeps production costs lower so local ranchers can make their product available to us at a reasonable price. Processing the meat here reduces middleman and transportation fees. It ensures the animals are treated humanely from farm to table. This production circle keeps our food-based jobs in Nevada. Read more or sign the petion now to oppose this proposal.

Annex, rezone, and sell is the way local government has "planned" for many years and the results have been less than stellar. We want the University of Nevada, Board of Regents and the Reno City Council to take an innovative approach and use this property to build a different future -- one based on a burgeoning local food economy. But first we need to convince them to make a different decision at this meeting, perhaps designate the land as agricultural. The more of us who speak up the better.

Make your voice heard....

Sign the petition.

This petition will be delivered to the Reno City Council, members of the University of Nevada Board of Regents, the University of Nevada, Reno Chancellor, the Nevada legislative
representatives, and members of congress.

Attend the meeting on December 14th at 6:00pm. The meeting may not be held in the Council Chambers. We're hoping so many people show up to support a different future that we'll need a bigger space.

Contact members of the Reno City Council directly, personally, and now...because the members need to know we want the land preserved for our burgeoning local food economy future before the meeting is held.

Let them know we are opposed to zoning the Main Station Farm land for these reasons:

1. We do not support new commercial/business zoned properties in the city of Reno. Many existing properties sit vacant and our city is fraught with urban blight. We should strive to fill what we have before we consider making new properties available for commercial, business, and/or industrial use.

2. Building in critical flood zones cost taxpayers. As citizens of Nevada, subject to local and state non-income based taxes, and as payers of federal income taxes, we do not support any develop within what has been designated a Critical Flood Zone. When properties flood citizens pay directly and more often indirectly. These 104 acres are in a Critical Flood Zone. It is amply outlined in the presentation from the Truckee River Flood Management Project.

3. Adjacent land-use presents conflicts. Although the City Planning Commission and the University of Nevada, Reno, along with various representatives, have attempted to deny that this rezoning will have any impact on Wolf Pack Meats, we respectfully disagree. There is a well documented literature of agriculture/urban conflict, so much so that all 50 states, Nevada included, have some form of Right to Farm laws. Nonetheless, the pastoral image of agriculture that many individuals have conflicts with the reality of agriculture as a working business with noise and odors.

Subscription Farming Workshop on December 17, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Last night the Local Food Network held one of their periodic strategic planning meetings at the River School. At this meeting interested people (30 of us) identified local food economy trends and needs. Then we determined which aspects are really important and need advocacy. One of the messages we heard from new young farmers is the need for education and training on the business end of farming and how farming works in a high-desert environment. In this regard, Western Nevada College fills a valuable role with educational opportunities for future farmers. Here's the latest, from my mailbox to you.

Western Nevada College Offers

Subscription Farming Workshop

Subscription services are not limited to magazines and newspapers anymore. Farmers have discovered the popularity of offering weekly subscriptions to consumers for local, seasonal produce.

Area growers can learn more about this trend at an upcoming Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute workshop. “Subscription Farming for the Small Farm” meets Saturday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., at WNC Fallon campus, 160 Campus Way. Cost is $35 for registrations by December 9 and $45 afterward. Lunch is included.

The workshop is directed to small-acreage farmers to teach them how to make a profit in this alternative direct marketing enterprise. Participants will learn about recruiting and retaining customers, planting schedules, recordkeeping, benefits and challenges of working with other farms, and more. The workshop will include a roundtable discussion on farm successes and challenges.

Featured speakers are Wendy Baroli of Grow for Me Sustainable Farm, and Ray Johnson of Custom Gardens Organic Farm. Both have successful and innovative subscription farm operations, and share more than 35 years of commercial farming experience.

Subscription farming, also known as Community Supported Agriculture or CSA, employs a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of farm-fresh, seasonal produce, and sometimes includes dairy products and meat. Customers pre-pay during planting season for a set number of weekly shares of produce to be delivered during harvest season. Customers enjoy the benefits of fresh produce delivered directly from the farm and often receive varieties that cannot be found in retail outlets or farmers markets.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods. Funding for this project was provided by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and USDA/AMS through the Specialty Crop Block Grant.

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

Good for us! Florida's Ag-gag bill fails

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Here's a good-news-update on the Take a Farm Picture -- Go to Jail post. The bill that would have made it illegal to take pictures of agricultural facilities in Florida did not pass. Minnesota and Iowa still have bills on the table though, and Monsanto is pushing hard for passage in Iowa.
Read a bit about this development here.

When Slow Food USA called on farm-lovers to become farmarzzi and take pictures of local farms in response to these bills, we went straight to Girl Farm with one of our favorite families and took these shots. We didn't even get frisked!

Take a farm picture and go to jail -- Big Ag has plans for us

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Imagine you’re a person who cares about people and animals so you take pictures of abuse and negligence. Then you share them with others who care. Then you’re arrested, pay fines, and possibly spend some time in jail. This is what Big Ag has planned in Florida, Iowa, and Minnesota.

People like you and me know about the nasty side of industrial food because insiders and those who work undercover share their images and knowledge. And because we know, we think and decide for ourselves what is best. Increasingly, many decide Big Ag is not for them. This scares the agricultural powers-that-be so they use their money and influence to change the laws, infringe on our right to know, and penalize those who are willing to speak out. This is nothing new; it’s just the politics of money and influence throughout human history.

Why do Nevadans care about this? Because law and legislation creeps state by state. What happens elsewhere shows up at our family dinner table. Then it could be illegal in Nevada.

Thanks to the Internet, We the People know about this before anything is final and we can try to impose our own influence. Numbers and timing count.

An Iowa bill supporter offers the draft bill in defense of the proposal. His position is that those opposed misunderstand section 717A.2A (Animal facility interference) and are misrepresenting the intentions.

Other opinons are here and here. Decide for yourself and then take some online action, or not.

Another great way to get involved is to become a farmarazzi. Here’s a Slow Food email excerpt explaining the details. I’ll be exercising my rights at GirlFarm this Sunday!

“But that’s not all. We don't just want to stop Big Ag's attempt to restrict consumers' right to know — we also want to use this as an opportunity to lift up the good, clean and fair farmers who like consumers to come and see exactly how their food is produced.

So join the farmarazzi! In the next few days we'll be calling on you for help. Plan a visit to a nearby farm (or just step outside, farmers) because we'll be holding a contest for the best farm photos, and sending a flipbook of the winning photos to the legislators in question. Can't wait to get started? Share your favorite farm photos by uploading and posting them on our Facebook wall here”

Kids and gardens at Urban Roots Garden Classrooms Summer Camp 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Summer is just around the corner and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor activities. If you’re looking for something unique and fun for the kids this year consider the Urban Roots Garden Classrooms Summer Camp. Urban Roots is a dynamic non-profit dedicated to developing innovative opportunities for kids and educators to interact with nature, food, and each other. This year the program has expanded to offer camp for kids of all ages from June through August. Go to the Urban Roots Garden Classrooms to learn more about the organization, or here for more camp information and sign up.

Master Gardener 2011 annual plant sale

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:47:00 +0000

Dust off the little red wagon and grab your checkbook. The annual Master Gardener plant sale is coming up soon.

This is a great way to buy garden plants suited to our region, grown by experienced gardeners you might even know. Here are some details:

When: Saturday May 21^st at 7:30 – 11:00a. Come early because everyone else does. Michael Janik reports the line was 60 people long 30 minutes prior to opening last year.

Where: 4955 Energy Way. The UNR Cooperative Extension moved to a new location this year.

Prices and plants: Flowers and veggies in 4 inch pots for $1.50; ½ gallon shrubs, grape vines, and flowers, prices vary but they’re still low.

We’re not kidding….come early! Bring a thermos of coffee or tea and be prepared to stand and chat for a while. The line looks daunting but the people are really nice and the early shopper really does get the tomato plant (Michael Janik said this first…I’m copying him!). A couple of tips – bring something to carry your plants in while you browse, and a checkbook or cash.

Are you a backyard farmer? Hungry Mother Organics wants to know!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:53:00 +0000

More and more people are growing their own food. Some are growing lettuce and tomatoes in containers on their apartment patio, and others are buying acreage and growing for their communities. It's hard to know how many of us are out there but Hungry Mother Organics is trying to find out how many backyard farmers are active in northern Nevada. If you want to get on the map, go to 1000 Backyard Farms and sign up.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:29:00 +0000

This event is a great opportunity to meet the people who make local food go in Nevada. It was hoppin' the first year I attended and has been getting better each year.

From my mailbox to you:

Join us for the 2011 Nevada Small Farm Conference!

Friday & Saturday, March 11-12 • Fallon

$75 Early Bird • $95 after Feb 24 (both days include lunch)

SATURDAY only (Community Education Day) • $40 (includes lunch)

THURSDAY Pre-Conference Workshops • $25 • $30 after Feb. 24

FRIDAY Evening Reception •$30 • $35 after Feb 24

From bees to beef - there's something for everyone at this conference!

Additional information at http://www.wnc.edu/sci

Exhibitor and sponsorship information is available at www.wnc.edu/sci , or call Ann

Louhela, 775-351-2551.

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food!

Think Wal-Mart will benefit local farmers or eaters? Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Recently we've heard that Wal-Mart intends to expand into two new markets, local food and urban neighborhoods. For people who like or need their stuff cheap and plentiful, these sound like really great ideas but on closer examination the long-term consequences have proven otherwise. Normally I wouldn't post anything about Wal-Mart on my blog because it goes against my core philosophy, that people are healthier and happier when they are for something rather than against something. But I can’t let this opportunity pass.

Last week I started hearing some friends and acquaintances talking about how great it would be to buy their local food from Wal-Mart, and that this market will be good for farmers and eaters. Really? This morning while drinking my coffee and reading the news I came across this article, Wal-Mart and the End of the Local Food Movement. It concisely lays out what really happens to producers who enter into a "partnership" with Wal-Mart. Low paying jobs, family owned business driven out of town, producers enslaved by bullying contract negotiations, huge formerly healthy producers periodically driven into bankruptcy, and ravaged communityscapes when the company abandons a megastore to build a super-mega store 3 miles down the road. Think a small family farm can survive these practices? Not likely.

Scary! Nooooo....doooon't doooo iiiiit!

Slow Food Reno Fall Potluck - another great meal and chat!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:17:00 +0000

Last night we attended another fantastic Slow Food Reno potluck to eat, visit, and learn along with the usual cohort and many new folks, about 60-70 of us. Pantagonia again let us use their fantastic facility for the spread...we love them!

Of course the food was fantastic. There's no pressure to be a culinary star; we just bring what we like to eat. It's amazing how diverse and colorful the dishes are. I don't have any pics because I came prepared only to eat and chat, which is exactly what Slow Food is about.

Tim Curry from Wood Fire Roasted Coffee provided caffinated and decaf to go with the huge table of desserts.

Doug Booth from Buckbean Brewery brought beer. Doug and I started talking about beer, of course, and he told me Buckbean hosts beer dinners. Contact them if you want to get on the list. His place also generates a lot of spent grains and hops and anyone who wants them for chicken feed, or whatever, can drop off some empty containers and pick them up later.

Ty Martin brought wine. Ty is opening a new shop called Craft Wine and Beer. His new place will be at 22 Martin Street, phone: 775-287-2646. Look for it in November.

The speakers/entertainers were Rick Lattin from Lattin Farm, Dawn Spinola from Reno Egg, and me.

Dawn and Alan Spinola run a local business called Reno Egg, selling farm fresh eggs to all including local restaurants, specifically Dish, Back of the House, and Bistro 7. They're working with others to sell out of markets, so watch for that soon. Dawn told of their hilarious journey from urban dwellers to living with about 400 chickens, and it all started with a horse. Seems like Dawn is the dreamer gal and Alan makes the infrastructure happen. BTW, their eggs are natural and free range...not labeled organic for the usual reasons, which are more about paperwork and administrative fees than food ethic.

Rick Lattin from Lattin Farms entertained us with his quick wit and sense of humor and at the same time told us what's happened in Nevada farming over the last decade. First, let me just say that the Lattins rock! Rick and B. Ann are a formidable team and have done so much to promote farming in this region. Rick really honed in on why it's important to value farming in Nevada....we love where we live, and if we're going to live here we should grow our food here.
Here are a few of the high points from his presentation.

Over the last decade of so a handful of local food enthusiasts have created the initiatives that move local food forward in our community. Through these organizations and motivated people we now have greater access to local food and new growers entering the market. They've shown us it can be done and how to do it!

In no particular order:

Great Basin Community Food Co-op - BTW they've outgrown the 600 square foot building and are planning to move to something like 5,000 sq ft. This in itself is a great indicator in this economic climate.

Great Basin Basket, which feeds 400 or so families and supplies local restaurants with fresh food.

8 or 10 other CSAs - This type of program is where much of Nevada's new farmers. People with a few acres grow food for those who want it. Rick says that larger farms like his are not the norm.

Nevada Grown - a list of organic and conventional growers in Nevada.

Local Food System Network - a loose networking group that strives to bring local initiatives together and develop partnerships.

Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association - provides support for anyone wishing to start a farmers market in their neighborhood.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute - The workshops teach us it can be done.

I'm going to include Eliot Coleman on this list because even though he's not from Nevada (he lives in Maine) his work with hoop house technology has resulted in growing practices that create Zone 5 growing conditions in a Zone 7 region. If you want to know more read any one of his books but I recommend The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year Round Vegetable Production Using Deep Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses. Rick uses these techniques on the farm, and Mark and I use them in our backyard.

My topic was the Mobile Slaughter Unit presentation we attended in September. There's too much info for this post, but watch for it in a separate one.

Looking forward to the winter potluck!

Learn to grow food in Northern Nevada on a community scale

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:00 +0000

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.

Buy Nevada-grown baby ginger at the Great Basin Community Food Co-op

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Ray and Virginia Johnson of Custom Gardens Organic Farm has been growing baby ginger for a couple of years with great success. The only way to get some was through their CSA , which has been full for years, or drive out to Silver Springs to pick it up. Now we can get it through the Great Basin Community Food Co-op!

Baby ginger is very different from the fiberous tuber we see in the supermarket. It is perishable and tender so needs to be used up or stored. My friend Mackenzie buys a bunch of baby ginger each year and puts it in the freezer.

Below is a bit of information and some recipe ideas from Ray and Virginia. From my mailbox to you:

Here’s the whole scoop:

Since we harvest the root at an early or mid-growth) stage due to our climate (not quite Hawaii) Our baby ginger more perishable than the usual tough skinned ginger root you will find in a supermarket. Here are some tips and a recipe to help you discover and enjoy Baby Ginger. Look up how to candy it, on the Internet!

Storage, perishability and uses: Clean your ginger root by washing under running water, gently removing any soils or blemishes – the skin of baby ginger is quite tender.

Young ginger root can be stored in the refrigerator for 10-14 days – simply wrapped in a damp paper towel, and put into a zip-lock bag or a container with a tight fitting lid. Any part of the root not used for fresh purposes within two weeks should be frozen in a zip lock bag (air pushed out) then simply taken out or sliced, diced, grated for use.

Leaves: To prepare leaves to store for tea: Cut off the stalks-- about 2 inches above the ginger root. Pull off leaves - rinse, blot dry, then cut or snip into small pieces. Place cut leaf pieces on a paper towel allowing them to air dry on the counter. When thoroughly dried store ginger leaves in a glass jar or zip-lock bag.

When making and drinking your tea: If used medicinally, don’t add sugar. For regular consumption doll it up any way you choose, with sugar or honey, or other flavorings.

Tender shoots & stalks: May be cut into pieces and used, to taste, in stir-fry.

Ginger Root Pickles

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh baby ginger -- sliced paper thin with vegetable peeler or mandolin

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup natural rice vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

Directions: Stir all ingredients together in nonreactive stainless steel pan or glass saucepan and bring to a boil. Let mixture cool to room temperature and chill overnight (Pickled ginger keeps for several months in the refrigerator).

Use your baby ginger in any way you would use any fresh ginger, but know it is tenderer with less fiber than the tough supermarket ginger root.

Local ginger is available now!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:05:00 +0000

From my mailbox to you:

Certified Organic Baby-Young Ginger Crop is being dug in October and November, Order now, while supply lasts!

Our regular Sunday On-Farm Market has ended for the season, but seasonable produce is still available by order. Farmers, Ray and Virginia Johnson are growing Certified Organic Ginger in the hoop-house to the left, (hoop house #3 two 50’wide beds) along with future beets, carrots and turnips in the other beds. The other three hoop houses are planted to cold-hardy fall, winter, to spring vegetables, available by orders to be picked up at the farm, starting the second week of November.

Pick some up at 3701 Elm St. Silver Springs, Nevada - 89429

More information? customgardens@att.net or 775-577-2069

Nevada needs a mobile slaughterhouse unit!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:40:00 +0000

This is so exciting, and so important for Nevada! On Thursday September 9th, from 8:30 to 3:00 (RSVP by September 1st) the USDA will be in Carson City to talk about mobile slaughterhouse units. If we ever want to buy Nevada meat in a market setting we're going to need one of these.

A key component of a responsive local food network is the consumer's ability to buy locally raised meat one cut at a time, that is, from the market. Buying in bulk is an option and ultimately more sustainable because we eat the whole animal rather than just the stylish cuts, but sometimes it would be nice just to pop down to the market and pick up one piece. We don't have that option in Nevada because we lack a USDA inspector to provide the mandatory certification. A Nevada rancher can arrange to have their product individually packaged and USDA approved but they have to transport the cattle out of state and then transport it back as a saleable product. However, the increased cost to the rancher is rarely what a consumer wants to pay. These mobile slaughterhouse units come with USDA inspection certification.
A mobile slaughterhouse unit is exactly what we need to reestablish the link between ranchers and new local food consumers in Nevada.

I’m off work this day so plan to go…maybe I’ll see you there. Woo hoo!

Red Meat Mobile Slaughter Unit Information Session
Thursday, September 9, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 15, Carson City (UNCE office)
RSVP by Sept. 1 to Clint Koble, 775-784-5411 x117

Nevada raised grass-fed beef and lamb

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:55:00 +0000

These guys have been around for a while but I just learned about them last month. Though we haven't eaten Albaugh meat yet I hear good things about them, and they certainly have tons of experience.

From my mailbox to you:

"Albaugh Ranch in Fallon is now offering grass-fed beef and lambs, locally slaughtered and processed.
For details, call Norris Albaugh, 775-423-3361, or visit their website."

Canning tomatoes - get 'em while you can

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:15:00 +0000

It's been a really crazy growing season. While I sit here in sipping coffee in my winter fleece, outside the weather is cold and cloudy...and it's August! Usually this time of year I’m giving away tomatoes just to get them out of my house, but not this year. Of the seventeen tomato plants I started with in May six survived and 1.5 are producing ripe tomatoes. The rest just sat there and took up space and nutrients all season. Thank goodness for farmers otherwise my family would have to get through winter eating fewer of my favorite cold weather meals.

Lattin Farms has tomatoes now. Get them while you can!

$15 for a 20 pound box (update - I called today to put in my order and learned that the price is $20 per 20 pound box) or 50¢ a pound for u-pick - all certified organic. Delivery options can be made for Reno. Call the farm at Toll Free: (866) 638-6293 or Local: (775) 867-3750 to order.

How are we doing? Results from informal Nevada farmer survey

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:51:00 +0000

It’s been about four years since I discovered that there are still farmers in Nevada and that it is possible to buy locally grown food. In 2006 I didn’t know anyone who purchased food grown in Nevada, or anyone who even knew a farmer. Now there are 20-25 people in my world for whom local farmers provide much of their food and almost daily I meet many who shop at farmers markets and would buy local food if it were easier to get. The market says that where there is demand new sources will develop, so it seems logical that if more Nevadans are eating locally we would eventually see more people farming, an increased number of access points, and new products.

All over the world new farmers are taking over abandoned farmlands and converting them to organic farms. Some farmers who’ve managed to avoid or get out of the Monsanto-cycle that often results in financial ruin are converting to alternative practices. So, I need to know…is Nevada part of this trend?

Earlier this year 25 local farmers responded to an informal survey I threw together using my highly inadequate survey development skills. Here’s what they told me…

In terms of access points 47.8% sell their products through CSAs, 47.8% to restaurants, 34.8% sell meat and poultry directly to consumers, 30.4% sell through the Great Basin Basket Community Food Co-op, 26.1% through farm stands, 17.4% sell through small locally owned markets, 17.4 % through Whole Foods, 17.4% through supermarket or big- box stores, and 8.7% are u-pick.

BTW, I stupidly left farmers markets off the list of options so I have no figures for this option. Lattin Farm is at the two markets I frequent all season, and later in the season Workman Farms is present at the California Street market.

How will farmers respond to customer demands and requests in 2010? 63.2% will grow a wider variety of vegetables, 47.4% will grow more unusual varieties, 42.1 will grow fruit, 31.6% offer eggs, 26.3% will include value added products to their offerings, 15.8% are offering Broad Breasted White turkey (one of them produces organically), 5.3% will raise beef, chicken, and/or heritage turkey.

84% expanded their product line adding more variety to our options. In 2010 our farmers will add meat (beef, pork, chicken, duck, and turkey), honey, eggs, Ginger Sweet potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, beets, pumpkins, various and more greens, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, lavender and flowers, and olive oil.

Early in the year at Lattin Farms had asparagus and baby turnips at the farmers market, which I’d not before. Nevada farmers are expanding beyond tomatoes and squash into fava beans and ginger, demonstrating that it can be done. BTW, if unpleasant childhood memories make you pass by turnips try the baby turnips. They are tender and slightly peppery, nothing like the big purple shouldered variety I toss into stew or roasted winter vegetables.

Are more Nevadans buying food raised by Nevada farmers? Between 2008 and 2009 69.6% gained customers, while 26.1% maintained a stable customer base. Two of the respondents just started their business in 2008 or 2009, which is good news all by itself.

What are their growing practices? 40% use organic practices but forego the fees and administrative processes that come with federal certification. 32% grow conventionally, meaning they utilize herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. 24% are certified organic, meaning they grow using organic practices and adhere to the federal program administrative fees and paperwork, in exchange for the certification that ensures customers know they’re buying organic. 8% are Certified Naturally Grown, which means they use organic practices and their operational integrity is verified through an inspection process conducted by other organic farmers and consumers.

If more people return to the farm, that is another indicator of improvement. Bill McKibben reports in his new book, Eaarth, that the US gained 300,000 new farms, most organic or alternative, in the last decade -- a heartening sign after decades of decline. Is it happening in Nevada? Western Nevada College has been offering classes to help existing or wanna-be farmers learn about agricultural practices that work in Nevada. Ann Louhela, who helps coordinate these classes, tells me that at the outset they hoped for 20-30 participants in each class…60-90 actually turned out! Many of these folks are new to farming and seem to gravitate to farming organically on 2-100 acres. Some of them are younger and believe land stewardship is important.

There are many exciting things happening in the Nevada food scene, and I hear of more advances than set-backs. So, as a glass-half-full gal I choose to believe the Nevada is indeed learning to value food grown by people in Nevada.

Woo hoo!

Nevada grown fruit? Wouldn't that be great!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:53:00 +0000

I love fruit, which is why I spend a big portion of our food budget at the farmers markets this time of year. Each year I fill our pantry and freezer with fruits grown for taste and harvested when they're ripe. Ahh...if only some of them were grown in Nevada. Yep, Nevada grown fruit is scarce but here's an opportunity to help fix that. Learn more about growing fruit on a farm or in your yard. From my mailbox to you...

WNC Specialty Crop Institute Small Farm Orchard & Berry Production Workshop

A harvest-time workshop on orchard and berry production could bear fruit for those interested in becoming commercial small farmers, or improving their current farming processes.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute announces an orchard and berry production workshop on Friday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at WNC Carson City campus, 2201 West College Parkway. Cost is $35 if registered by Monday, Aug. 31, or $45 after August 31. Lunch is included in registration; seating is limited.

Participants will learn about orchard and berry production for the small farm including best varieties to grow in northern Nevada's climate and soils; site selection and planting, fertilization, pruning, pest management, and more. The workshop is intended for experienced and new farmers interested in small-scale commercial production and sales. It includes classroom training and an on-farm tour of Agape Organics, a certified organic apple orchard in Washoe Valley.

Featured speaker is local expert Michael Janik, who has grown and experimented with orchard fruits and berries for more than a decade. He's grown more than 100 apple varieties, as well as currants, grapes, berries and more. Janik is a certified arborist and is accomplished at grafting.

Eat this! First baby squash summer of the season

noreply@blogger.com (Shelley) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:54:00 +0000

We bought these beautiful baby summer squash from the California Street Lattin Farm booth this morning. They're perfect for a recipe we got out of the new Eating Local cookbook mentioned earlier...Summer Squash Carpaccio with Arugula, Pecorino, and Almonds. We've served it twice and everyone raved!