Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute holding organic farming workshop

Consumer demand for organic products continues to grow, and Nevada’s farmers need training on organic farming practices.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers Organic Farming in the Sierra Workshop on Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Western Nevada College, 160 Campus Way in Fallon. Cost is $40 for those registering by October 28 and $45 afterward. The registration fee includes lunch and a copy of the book “July & Winter: Growing Food in the Sierra” by Gary Romano. Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/.

Workshop topics include an overview of organic crop production, soil fertility and management, crop rotation and cover cropping, managing pests, weeds and diseases, the benefits of biodiversity, organic certification and more. The workshop is recommended for both experienced and new farmers.

Featured speaker and third-generation farmer Gary Romano owns Sierra Valley Farms, a certified organic farm in Sierra Valley, California. Romano has been farming for more than 50 years, has a master’s degree in recreation administration and is the author of two books on farming. His diverse operation includes cool-season vegetables, fruits, micro greens, herbs, native plants, value-added condiments and an on-farm farmers market.

Benjamin Rush, Basin & Range Organics, will speak about organic certification and record keeping. Basin & Range is a Nevada-based, organic certification program that was created in 2015 to provide organic certification and educational resources for farmers, ranchers, handlers and communities.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Information/registration: Ann Louhela - 775-423-7565 Ext. 2228 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu.