CARES Act funds available to improve inventory and distribution of Nevada meat, produce and agricultural products

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) seeks partners to address agriculture product inventory and distribution needs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nevada community organizations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to submit project applications that will increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other agricultural products grown or raised in Nevada. Project proposals should also benefit Nevada agricultural producers, allow for inventory data to be uploaded and updated, and facilitate aggregation and distribution options for products, including delivery options.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides funding to states to address the various impacts of the pandemic. There is $750,000 set aside to support inventory and distribution solutions for Nevada agriculture products.

“In response to the COVID-19 impacts to local food access, Nevada needs inventory and distribution concepts that fit these evolving circumstances,” NDA Plant Industry division administrator Ashley Jeppson said. “Our goal will not only provide easier access for Nevadans to buy locally produced food, but will also support the economic challenges our agricultural industry is experiencing. We encourage all applicants with inventory and distribution concepts that will achieve this goal to apply.”

Applications must be submitted to the NDA via email by 5 p.m. on July 31, 2020. Full application requirements, including a scoring rubric and federal Coronavirus Relief Fund guidance, can be found online.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 150 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Industry. The department’s $232 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.