Our program begins with sustainable and efficient food production. This includes growing crops and raising livestock in ways that protect the environment, conserve water, and improve soil health. We work with local farmers and ranchers to ensure that food is grown responsibly and efficiently.

farmers market

Beginning Farmer and Rancher - Herds & Harvest Program

Developing educational courses, workshops, technical assistance, business advice and mentoring support network for Nevada agricultural producers who are beginning or diversify a farm or ranch operation.

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carson raised bed cb

Carson City Community Garden

The Community Garden began in 2001 and allows community members who don’t have room for a vegetable garden to rent a 4-by-16-foot garden bed for $40 a season at a 25-bed garden complex located at 1044 Beverly Drive, Carson City, NV. Applications open in 2024!

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DFI Farm and Reno City

Crop Research

The Desert Farming Initiative operates a diversified organic farm producing many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The farm is used for education, research, and demonstration of fresh produce farming in the high desert climate.

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EFNEP cb

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Many Nevadans suffer from heart problems, are obese or have diabetes. In Nevada, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is administered by University of Nevada, Reno to engage adults and youth to boost nutrition through building basic skills. Participants learn how to read food labels, save money on groceries, plan meals, safely handle food, make healthy food choices, and be more active.

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man delivering groceries to elderly

Food Business Center

Providing training and technical assistance to help Nevada producers diversify and expand their product portfolio, optimize operational processes and ensure that those entering food processing are compliant with US requirements.

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people learning to identify a tree

Green Industry Training

A workforce development program to train green industry professionals, who receive continuing education units for pesticide applicator, ISA-certified arborist and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper

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table covered with vegetables

Grow Organic Nevada

This program connects transitioning farms with certified organic mentors and provides technical assistance to farms working to become certified. Stay tuned for community-building workshops and on-farm trainings on topics such as organic practices, certification, rules and regulations, marketing, and conservation and biodiversity!

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Pink, yellow, and purple native flowers in landscape surrounded by rock terrace landscaping

Home Horticulture Certificate Program

The Home Horticulture Certificate Program was developed by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Horticulture team to provide basic horticulture education to homeowners, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the Nevada landscapes, plants, and more.

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paba tuka food sovereignty dinner in the DFI wash house

Indigenous Food Sovereignty

The Desert Farming Initiative is working to advance food sovereignty in the region, including hosting Indigenous students in paid internships, fostering work with food and medicinal plants of cultural interest, and collaborating on community events.

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Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

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black angus cow-calf pair

Livestock Biosecurity

Biosecurity is important to keep your animals healthy and your business productive. Small steps can make a difference and prevent diseases in your livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats) and poultry.

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Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

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students learning how to process meat

Meat Workforce Development Program

The Workforce Development Meat Program trains and provides certifications in meat harvest and processing for beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Training is a combination on in-class room lecture, hands-on experience and tours.

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Mobile Harvest Unit

University of Nevada, Reno, offers a USDA-compliant Mobile Harvest Unit that serves as self-contained slaughter floors on wheels.

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bees

Nevada Beekeeping Program

The Extension program is committed to fostering responsible beekeeping and promoting the well-being of honeybees in Nevada. Our program engages in outreach and education, emphasizing the benefits of ethical beekeeping practices.

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two apprentices at dfi holding kale

Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program

The program will prepare participants to become farm owner operators in Nevada by providing the knowledge, contacts, and experience necessary for outdoor fruit and vegetable farming at the small farm scale (approximately $25,000 - $350,000 gross farm income).

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radishes

On-Farm Food Safety Strategies

The Initiative's Food Safety Program provides resources for growers throughout the state of Nevada. The Initiative partners with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to demonstrate produce safety practices, share guidance and provide training.

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UNR Experimental Vineyard

Orchard and Vineyard Research

Read more about the orchard and vineyard projects being conducted in Northern Nevada.

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pepper sprouts

Organic Plant Nursery

Providing high-quality organic plants starts for commercial farms, large gardens, schools and nurseries. All plant starts are grown in the Initiative's certified organic greenhouse.

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Box of fresh produce

Organic Training Farm

Learn about the Training Farm and where DFI fruit and vegetables are available.

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DFI staff at farmers market next to produce table

Regional Food Security Initiatives

DFI partners to address food insecurity through statewide programs, and directs fresh fruit and vegetables to food pantries.

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risk management class

Risk Management Education

Extension develops and delivers a comprehensive risk management education program to livestock, forage, and food producers in Nevada.

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dfi eggplants

Small Farm Resiliency Strategies

Small farm resiliency strategies aim to link fruit and vegetable growers to the best available regional information and decision-making tools on an ongoing basis, as well as sharing practical guidance.

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produce department

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - Nevada

Improve the nutritional well-being of people who receive SNAP benefits and other Nevadans with a low income through community based education, programs and needs assessments.

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vegs

Veggies for Kids

Veggies for Kids teaches children about healthy eating habits and improves accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

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