Jax Hart, a participant with the Desert Farming Initiative's new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program, walks up a row of spinach and kale inside a greenhouse at DFI's demonstration farm on the University of Nevada, Reno campus
Nevada entities take needed action to support local growers.
written by Barbara Twitchell
photo by Donna Victor
For the last few decades, those working in our country’s agricultural sector have largely ignored what amounts to a pending demographic crisis.
According to the National Young Farmers Coalition, farmers aged 65 and up outnumber those under 35 by a six-to-one ratio. It doesn’t take a degree in math to realize we have a problem that amounts to fewer farms and farmers in our future.
The reasons are varied: exorbitant land prices, unrelenting workloads, financial uncertainties, climate change, drought, too many government regulations … the list goes on.
The good news is that various local entities, including the University of Nevada, Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, and the Nevada Farm Network, recognizing the severity of the situation, have instituted programs to support those willing to take up the plow.
The stories in the following pages highlight ongoing efforts to mitigate farming shortages with needed resources and training, as well as underscore some key areas that still should be addressed to ensure ongoing success.
It’s challenging but important work. The providers and participants are enthusiastic and optimistic that the recent uptick in the number of young farmers and small farms is a positive sign for our future.
Growing ag entrepreneurs at DFI.
Female food producers gain support.
Digital platform connects farmers.
Nevada hemp industry goes from boom to bust.
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