Growing Nevada's food economy takes more than producing food. It takes strong business partnerships, access to funding and connections that help move products from farms and ranches to consumers.
This August, , in partnership with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will support those efforts through a series of networking events and grant-writing workshops in northern and southern Nevada.
Connecting producers and food businesses
Extension will host two regional networking events that bring together farmers, ranchers, food entrepreneurs, chefs, legislators, government officials and other members of the food supply chain from across Nevada. Attendees will have opportunities to build relationships, explore new market opportunities and strengthen connections that support Nevada's local food economy.
In Northern Nevada, Extension will host the from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Park Home Ranch, 1452 State Route 88, Minden, Nevada.
The event follows a two-day educational tour of farms and ranches in Reno and Gardnerville for participants in Extension's . Throughout the tour, aspiring and early-stage producers will gain firsthand insight into successful agricultural operations and marketing strategies before connecting with farmers, ranchers, chefs, food businesses, investors and other members of Nevada's food supply chain at the mixer and dinner. Tour registration is $100 and includes the two-day farm and ranch tour, lunches on both days, the mixer and the Farm-to-Fork Dinner. Dinner-only tickets are available for $75. Tickets can be purchased through the Eventbrite page.
In southern Nevada, the will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Extension office, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. The event will bring together small-scale producers, ranchers, food and beverage entrepreneurs, investors, supply chain providers, community leaders and others involved in moving locally produced food from farm to market.
Attendees will have opportunities to build new partnerships, learn about resources available to food businesses and hear business pitches from participants in Extension's . The evening also will include speed networking activities and information about business resources, including the Made in Nevada program. Full event details and reservation are available on the Eventbrite page.
Helping businesses compete for funding
Extension also will offer free grant-writing workshops in both regions to help farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs compete for federal funding opportunities.
The southern Nevada will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Extension office, 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. A northern Nevada will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the University's Main Station Farm Science Center, 5895 Clean Water Way, Reno.
Designed for producers, food hubs, processors, cooperatives and value-added food businesses, both workshops will provide guidance on applying for and managing grants available through the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For more information about the northern and southern Nevada mixer events and the grant-writing workshops, email Kaley Chapin or call 702-467-2668; or email Staci Emm or call 775-475-4227.
People needing special accommodation or assistance should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator or call 702-257-5577 at least five days before the applicable event.
