SPARKS, Nev. -
July 17, 2020The 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.