Become an organic farming mentor, or find a mentor!

The Grow Organic Nevada program helps Nevada farmers transition to USDA certification through a facilitated mentorship program, connecting experienced certified organic farmers with local farmers who are looking to become certified.

Become a mentor

Mentors will be paid $3,000 per year for their role in this effort.
To qualify, your farm must be USDA certified organic, or you must have been certified organic and involved in the certification process (OSP, inspections, record-keeping, etc.) for a minimum of three years
The Grow Organic Nevada program will connect you with eligible farmers requesting mentorship.
Mentors will conduct an on-farm visit with each mentee at the start of mentorship, and thereafter, respond to their questions with practical knowledge and connect mentees to resources to help them succeed.
The Grow Organic Nevada team and others will provide mentor training and resources. This includes meeting with the program coordinator at your farm at the start of the program, and virtual training session(s) each year. The team will also provide training to mentees.
The Grow Organic Nevada coordinator will work hand in hand with mentors, gather progress updates, and help form regional organic grower groups throughout the state of Nevada. Regional organic grower groups will provide a place to get answers and a sense of community for organic growers and those interested in transitioning to certified organic production.

APPLY TO BECOME A MENTOR

Request a Mentor

Farms planning to transition to organic certification will:

Receive 40 hours of real-time advice and production support from a veteran organic producer through site visits and regular communication.
Receive a $500 stipend for participating in the Grow Organic Nevada mentorship program.
Connect to valuable, free technical assistance to help with paperwork and compliance.
Participate in regional organic-focused community events.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE AND REQUEST A MENTOR

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Rob Holley at rholley@unr.edu

Desert Farming Initiative 2025, Grow Organic Nevada Mentorship Program, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

Tatum Gogna

Jill Moe

Also of Interest:


Effect of ultraviolet light, organic acids, and bacteriophage on Salmonella populations in ground beef Yeh, Y., de Moura, F., Van de Broek, K., de Mello, A.S. 2018, Meat Science
Non-Chemical Weed Control for Small Acreage Farmers in Nevada Many small acreage farming operations are organic-based or strongly prefer weed management recommendations that preclude the use of conventional herbicides. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and resources on non-chemical weed control options for these... Davison, J. and Newton, J. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Composting Yard and Vegetable Wastes Composting is an effective way to take organic materials from landfills and use them to improve soil health. This fact sheet covers the reasons for composting and the basics of getting compost started. Donaldson, S., and Hefner, Melody 2009, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-16
Marketing Farmers’ Markets: Ideas for Market Vendors & Managers in Nevada In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) began tracking the number of farmers’ markets nationwide. At the start there were 1,755 farmers’ markets across the country; in 2008 there were 4,685, an increase of nearly 168 percent (USDA-A... Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-10
Why Customers Shop at Farmers Markets in Nevada Farmers markets are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grocery stores for consumers. In the decade between 1998 and 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA- AMS) estimated that the number of farmers markets in the U.S. incre... Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-32

Grow Organic Nevada Mentorship Program