The Small Agricultural Roundtables are a coalition of Nevada farmers, researchers and food system advocates, facilitated by University of Nevada, Reno Extension, joining together to build community, learn about education and grant opportunities, and share solutions to common barriers.

SB 233 - Home Feeds Nevada

A TOP PRIORITY! This initiative has been crucial for food security and pivotal in supporting local farmers and ranchers to grow their capacity while providing quality and nutritious food assistance to communities, strengthening the agricultural sector by ensuring a reliable supply of local food. The bill enhances the marketability of local agricultural goods by establishing a framework for certifying food and farm products as grown or produced in Nevada.

AB 352 - Cottage Food

Managing license for cottage food business operation through the Nevada Department of Agriculture establishes essential consumer protections and advocates for fair regulations that benefit local producers. This is essential for empowering small producers, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing the local economy by allowing individuals to operate their businesses from home at higher revenues and expanded ordering provisions.

AB 80 - Healthy Soils Initiative

Establishing a Soil Health Advisory Board within the State Conservation Commission and for the Healthy Soils Initiative supports the health of agricultural systems and the well-being of the farming community. This promotes sustainable farming goals through techniques that enhance soil health essential for improving crop yields and resilience against climate change.

AB 251 - Meat & Poultry Inspections

The bill enhances flexibility for producers by allowing mobile processing units to be official establishments that can boost local meat production and expand market access for small farmers and ranchers.

AB 180 - Multi-Jurisdictional License

Allowing vendors to obtain a single business license valid across multiple jurisdictions facilitates greater flexibility to operate throughout Clark County. This promotes economic growth and local entrepreneurship, particularly for small-scale food producers who may wish to reach broader markets.

SB 355 - Agrivoltaics

Agrivoltaics are an innovative approach to promote renewable energy on farms. This allows for efficient land use by providing shade and enhances agricultural productivity by creating favorable microclimates for enhanced crop production.

SB 55 - Agritourism

Agricultural tourism supports our state’s long-term food security by fostering local community resilience, producing great economic benefit for Nevada farms. Investing in agritourism can drive innovation in desert farming and cultivation that encourages strategic agricultural technology implementation and makes sustainable food systems more viable in our arid climate.;

 
Peer Review Logo
Malik, S.; Lopez, A. 2025, Small Agriculture Roundtables: Small Farmer High Impact Bills, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-12

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Image of a high tunnel under snow conditions
How to Manage and Protect Your High Tunnel During Winter Conditions
Managing a high tunnel in winter requires more than closing the sides and hoping for the best. This guide explains how high tunnels behave in winter and provides research-based steps to protect structures, manage temperatures, reduce humidity, and keep crops productive in Nevada ...
Waaswa, A., and Holley, R. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno, Blogs
Evaluation of Several Tomato Varieties’ Resistance to Beet Curly Top Virus Grown Under High Tunnels and in the Field
The purpose of the project was to test two hypotheses: 1) Incidence of Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) is reduced in organic fresh market tomatoes grown under high tunnels, and 2) The use of locally developed BCTV-resistant plants reduces the incidence of BCTV in high-tunnel and fiel...
Davison, J., and Lattin, R. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
High Tunnel hoop house
Climate Modification Using High Tunnels in Western Nevada
This publication explains the use and design of high tunnels used for growing crops in Western Nevada.
Heckler, S., et al. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
high tunnel greenhouse
Climate Modification Using High Tunnels in Western Nevada
Farmers in the Great Basin are investing in inexpensive low-tech greenhouses, known as high tunnels, but little is known about how high tunnels alter the climate conditions that crops experience inside of high tunnels.
Heckler, S., McAfee, S.A., Kratsch, H.A. 2020, Extension Special Publication