This month the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) celebrated Agriculture Day on March 19, as proclaimed by Governor Lombardo. It’s a day to recognize the vital role agriculture plays in supplying food, fuel, and fiber to our state, thanks to the dedication of hardworking producers, ranchers and farmers.
To mark this occasion, the NDA invited state lawmakers, elected officials, and board members to join us for tours at the Sparks office. I hope these tours highlighted the essential work of each division in preserving, protecting and promoting Nevada agriculture.
A special thank you to our Nevada producers for their ongoing contributions.
With gratitude,
Director Goicoechea
The NDA has a new look!
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has an updated logo to represent Nevada’s diverse landscapes and the agriculture produced in the state.
“From the mountains to rangelands, crops to livestock, we hope this new logo is a reflection of everything we represent in Nevada, and our dedication to preserve, protect and promote Nevada agriculture.”
– NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea
You may notice a change in the appearance of information coming from the NDA. The NDA is proud to unveil an updated logo to represent Nevada’s diverse landscapes and the agriculture produced in the state. This new logo will be implemented with new materials going forward, but older resources may continue to include the old logo. These resources are still relevant and accurate.
Learn about the benefits of becoming a CACFP partner
Is your organization interested in becoming a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) partner this year? The Division of Food and Nutrition is hosting a virtual training on Tuesday, April 2. In this training, you will learn the basics of CACFP, how it can benefit your organization and what the program requirements are. RSVP to Ashley Ziemer at aziemer@agri.nv.gov.
Seed retailers and wholesalers in Nevada will be required to pay annual fees
The NDA’s Seed Program is implementing annual fees for seed retailers and wholesalers operating in the state, as per changes to NRS 587.077 and NRS 587.083 approved in 2022. Wholesalers selling seed for resale must obtain a Seed Wholesaler License costing $750, while retailers need a Seed Retailer License for $75. These licenses must be acquired by July 1 each year and are valid for the fiscal year. For questions, please contact program staff via phone at (775) 353-3711 or email at seed@agri.nv.gov.
Nevada food and agriculture Q4 trade report available
The Nevada Food and Agriculture Trade Report for the fourth quarter of 2023 is now available. In the latest report, Nevada’s total exports reached $76 million, with South Korea maintaining the lead as largest trading partner and miscellaneous edible preparations leading as the top export.
See page 23 of this magazine and/or this link: agri.nv.gov
The 2023-2024 Farm2Food Accelerator Participants celebrate graduation
Earlier this month, the NDA proudly celebrated the graduation of the latest Farm2Food Accelerator Program cohort! The Farm2Food Accelerator Program is designed to help Nevada women farmers and entrepreneurs with value-added food or beverage products, or product ideas, grow their business and expand into new markets. The NDA is proud to support women in our community in diversifying their agricultural goods into new finished products to increase their profitability and expand their market season. Congratulations ladies!
Report stranded livestock
As we enter calving season, you may notice what appear to be abandoned newborn calves. If you happen to come across newborn or young calves, we urge you to refrain from picking them up or intervening. It is crucial to allow the mother to return to her offspring.
Should you encounter any other livestock in locations where they do not appear to belong, please reach out to the NDA at 775-753-1360 or 775-353-3709 for assistance. Your cooperation in safeguarding the well-being of livestock is greatly appreciated.
Be part of Nevada history
Does your family have a long history of farming or ranching on the same land in Nevada? The Nevada Centennial Awards Program recognizes agricultural families who have owned and operated the same land for 100 years or more!
Elko Lab offering testing
The NDA Animal Disease Laboratory is now open and offering testing for trichomoniasis and equine infectious anemia (Coggins). This additional lab location will allow for increased processing capacity and decreased wait times. Talk to your vet about submitting testing to the Lab in Elko.
Do you own a livestock scale?
Make sure we have your contact information! The NDA is updating contact information for all livestock scale owners to ensure proper and efficient communication. Livestock scale inspection schedules can be impacted by weather and mechanical failures. To ensure continuity of commerce, the NDA needs to confirm contact information to notify livestock scale owners of delays in inspections and to reschedule inspections to meet industry needs.
Job Opportunities
Agriculturalist 1 (Sparks)
Agriculture Inspector 2 (Sparks) seasonal
Brand Inspector 1 (Elko)
Division of Plant Health and Compliance Deputy Administrator (Sparks)
Field Assistant 2 – Predatory Animal and Rodent Control (Fallon)
Program Officer 1 (Elko)
Public Health Rating & Survey Officer (Las Vegas)
Weights and Measures Inspector 2 (Elko)
Keep up to date with all NDA job openings at https://nvapps.state.nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewJobsHome.aep
Let’s Think Meat
By Shayda Sanjideh
Nevada has become acutely aware of the gaps in our food supply chain, particularly when it comes to livestock industries. With limited options for in-state meat processing and inspections, many producers are required to send livestock out of state for processing and packaging. As a result, there are few options for local meat to be sold in state and contribute to Nevada’s food and agriculture economy. To address these challenges, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is making changes to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 583 related to the regulation of meat and poultry processing, to create a Nevada State Meat and Poultry Inspection program.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is ultimately in charge of ensuring a safe meat and poultry supply but can delegate this responsibility to a State. A state inspection program must operate under authorities that are “at least equal to” federal requirements. The changes to NAC 583 allow the NDA to enter into a cooperative agreement with USDA FSIS to act as a resource to ensure a safe meat and poultry supply to Nevadans. With this, the NDA can inspect meat and poultry for consumption within Nevada while also providing a closer level of support to our producers and processors.
Since a consumer cannot, or generally does not, watch their meat or poultry get processed, they rely on food safety regulations and inspection services to keep them safe from natural and man-made hazards that may exist in meat and poultry products. Ensuring that friends, families and communities have access to safe meat and poultry is one of the top priorities of the State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program – and should also be the priority of producers and processors, as a food safety outbreak could be detrimental to industry.
While the prospect of new regulations may seem scary, this program will diversify market opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, add workforce and economic opportunities, and ensure an adequate and safe meat and poultry supply. Here in Nevada, where USDA inspections can be difficult to schedule and costly, this is an effective option to allow for more meat and poultry processing in the state while providing support for the producers who keep us fed.
If you have questions about the Nevada State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, please contact Shayda Sanjideh at ssanjideh@agri.nv.gov.