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NOFFANevada Organic Food & Farm Alliance

Helping to Create a Better Food-future for Nevada

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Table of ContentsMission Statement ...................................................................................................................... 3

Board Members .......................................................................................................................... 3

Organic Info ................................................................................................................................ 4

Why Organic Food is Better ....................................................................................................... 5

Frequently Asked Questions....................................................................................................... 6

Upcoming NOFFA Events........................................................................................................... 7

Nevada Farmer’s Markets ...................................................................................................... 8-9

NOFFA Membership Benefits ................................................................................................... 10

Volunteer & Donation Information............................................................................................. 11

Nevada Organic Food and Farm Alliance. 2245 Rural Ave. Boulder City, Nevada, 89005

(702) 555-6789 www.noffa.org

Page 3Visit www.noffa.org for more information

Mission StatementThe Nevada Organic Food & Farm Alli-ance is a non profit memberhip organization dedicated to promoting local, organic food that is good for our communities. Our mem-bers are part of a growing network of con-cerned citizens who care about how food is grown and where it comes from. We see lo-cal organic food and farms as a viable, vi-brant alternative to the unsustainable, indus-trialized food system all around us.

Since 1995, we have worked to raise pub-lic awareness about the need for a decen-tralized, earth-and people-friendly food system. We support Nevada’s organic farm-ers, encourage other farmers to adopt or-ganic practices and to become certified, and create opportunities for local markets. We educate and encourage retailers, consumers and others in the food system to buy and eat locally-produced organic foods.

NOFFA invites everyone who shares our vision to help us create a better food-future for Nevada. Join as a member, or make a contribution to support our continued work.

Board Members• President: Dr. George Bird

• Vice President: Yvette Berman

• Treasurer: Dr. Jim Bingen

• Secretary: Patricia Wethem

• Members:

• Chris Bardenhagen

• Dr. John Biernbaum

• Dr. Matt Grieshop

• John Hooper

• Vicki Morrone

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Organic InfoNutritional value declines as time passes after harvest. Because locally-grown food is fresh, it is more nutritionaly complete. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables are usually purchased within 24 hours of being harvest-ed. Local Farmers grow and raise foods for their taste and nutrition, not for durability in harvest, shipping or storage. This is not the case with store-bought produce. Studies indicate that organically grown produce has more of certain nutrients.

Produce grown with banned pesticides is imported into the United States. Meat may come from animals raised in confinement and fed hormones or antibiotics. Organic foods are produced and processed under special standards. Organically-raised animals have outdoor access and don’t get antibiotics or hormones. Dependance on distant and global food sources leaves us vulnerable to supply disruptions. When you buy foods from local farmers, you create a relationship of mutual support that enhances a communi-ty’s economic vitality, and keeps family farms alive.

Farming with pesticides and synthetic fertil-izers can cause water pollution, and leave unwanted pesticide residues on the food we feed our families. You can protect our natu-ral resources, your health and improve the environment by choosing local, organic foods.

Organic crops are grown without the use of toxic chemicals and without GMOs.

Page 5Visit www.noffa.org for more information

Why Organic Food Is Better FoodMany people are aware that food grown according to organic principles is free from exposure to harmful herbicides and pesticides, but that is only one small aspect of organic agriculture. A larger part of organic agriculture involves the health of the soil and the ecosystem in which crops and livestock are raised. Organic farmers recognize that healthy, vibrant, and live soils and ecosystems significantly benefit crops. Natural, undisturbed soil is alive with microbiotic organisms that exist in harmony with the native plant life and the inorganic minerals that provide the soil’s substrate.

Synthetic chemicals applied in or around crops interrupt or destroy the microbiotic activity in the soil. Once the microbiotic activity in the soil has stopped, the soil becomes merely an anchor for plant material. In this conventional method of ariculture (in use for only the past 75 of 10,000 years of recorded agriculture) plants can receive only air, water, and sunlight from their environment – everything else must be distributed to plants by farmers.

By growing in a living soil where microbiotic activity constantly breaks organic matter and solid minerals into nutrients, an organically cultivated plant always has exactly what it needs to grow, and the plant will be healthier throughout its lifespan than a conventionally grown plant. As a result, the organically grown plant will be able to add more and complex components to all of its parts, resulting in a plant chock-full of micro-nutrients and trace minerals that are important for human nutition.

Flavor is another benefit of healthy plants growing in a living soil. Flavor results from a mixture of many different and complex molecules. Healthy, living soil provides a constant and more com-plex mixture of these molecules, which results in more flavor. It’s no surprise that chefs working in the highest caliber restaurants prefer organic ingredients to conventionally grown ingredients.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is organic food?Farmers have been producing food using organic systems for thousands of years. Essentially, organic agriculture is based on growing through the use of soil-enriching systems. Organic farmers are not allowed to use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and organic livestock are raised with organic feed and a narrow range of permitted medicines.

What does the term “certified organic” mean?“Certified organic” means that a certification body that is accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has verified that the product meets strictly defined organic standards. The certifier inspects to verify that production and practices are in accordance with the USDA organic standards.

Who sets the organic standards?In the USA, The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) established standards for the production, processing and certification of or-ganic food. The National Organic Standards Board develops guidelines and procedures for the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) which oversees the program.

Why are organic products more ex-pensive than taditionally produced products?• There are several reasons why organic products are more expensive:

• Organic produce, meat and dairy cost more to produce than their conventional counterparts. For example, pesticide limits mean that the organic farmers have to do more hand weeding. Such a labor intensive method contributes to a more expensive product

• Organic food supply is limited as com-pared to demand.

• The marketing and distribution chain seg-regaties organic from conventional produce and creates relatively smaller volumes.

Why should I buy organic food?According to Michael van Straten (1999) in his publication ‘Organic Super Foods’ there are many reasons why you should buy organic food, several of them are:

• protect future generations

• pay the real cost of real food

• have an independent guarantee

• protect water quality

• enjoy greater flavor and nutrition

• reduce global warming and save energy

• prevent soil erosion

• keep chemicals off your plate

• to hewlp small farmers

• to help restore biodiversity

Page 7Visit www.noffa.org for more information

EventsJuly 16 - NOFFA Board of Directors Meeting. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NOFFA’s Education Center in Boulder City.

July 17&18 - Crop Sprayer Workshops. July 17: orchard airblast sprayers; July 18: berry and vegetable sprayers. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: Dr. John Smith, Univ. of Nevada Coop. 800-555-2104, [email protected]

July 21 - NOFFA Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting. 3:00 p.m. at NOFFA’s Education Center in Boulder City.

August 4 - Nevada Vegetable and Fruit School. Reno, 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: Mark Jones, Univ. of Nevada Coop. 800-555-2104, [email protected]

Aug 24 - People, Profit and Planet In The New Economy. Nevada Businesses for Social Re-sponsibility Annual Conference hosted by the USN School of Public Service. At the Reno Com-munity Education Center.

Sept 5 - NOFFA Certification Services, LLC Board Meeting. 2 - 5 p.m. in NOFFA’s library.

Sept. 23 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of NOFFA’s Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at NOFFA’s Education Center in Boulder City.

Oct. 15 – Small Farm Field Day, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hands-on learning for small farmers, garden-ers and homesteaders. Practical skills, answers to questions. Meet other like-minded folks and enjoy the Volunteer Celebration, NOFFA’s annual thank-you to its dedicated volunteers. NOF-FA’s Education Center, Boulder City. www.noffa.org.

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ALAMO LDS Church Park July-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109

CALIENTE 360 Lincoln St June-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109

CARSON CITY 3rd & Curry St June-October Linda Saturdays 9am-1pm (775) 882-6741

DAYTON Hwy 50 & 2nd Ave Community Roots Nursery June-September Wendy Thursdays 4-7pm (775)250-7884

ELKO 149 1/2 River Street May – October Brenda Saturdays 8am-3pm (775) 777-8913

ELY 400 Ely Street Aug-Oct Phil Saturdays 10am-4pm (775) 289-8364

EUREKA Gold Street July-Sep Lynn Thursdays 4-7pm (775) 237-5326

FALLON Williams Ave & downtownMaine St June – August Don Hardy Tuesdays 5:30-9:30 pm (775) 867-3430

FERNLEY In Town Park Center St & Highway 95A June - August CJ Gueldner Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 846-0494

GARDNERVILLE Lampe Park May-Sep Jana Wednesdays 8am-1pm (775) 782-9828

HAWTHORNE Downtown Hawthorne June-October Roberta Fridays 5pm - 7pm (775) 945-3954

HENDERSON 241 Water St (in front of City Hall) Year round Dave Thursdays 9am-4pm (702) 579-9661

LAS VEGAS Gardens Park in Summerlin 10401 Garden Park Drive 4-8pm summer Steve Tuesdays 2-6pm winter

MINDEN Esmeralda Avenue downtown May-Sep Roxanne Tuesdays 4-8pm (775) 782-2444

NORTH LAS VEGAS City Hall campus 2200 Civic Center Drive Year round Sheri Thursdays 10am-2pm (702) 858-0333

RENO Somersett Town Square 7650 Town Square Way June–Aug Erin Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 323-1405

SPARKS United Methodist Church 1231 Pyramid Way June-Sep Everett (775) 358-0925

TONOPAH Hwy 95 Main Street at Pocket Park July -Oct Mary (775) 482-3118

WINNEMUCCA Next to the Community Garden July-Sep Ed (775) 623-8413

Nevada Farmers Markets

Page 9Visit www.noffa.org for more information

ALAMO LDS Church Park July-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109

CALIENTE 360 Lincoln St June-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109

CARSON CITY 3rd & Curry St June-October Linda Saturdays 9am-1pm (775) 882-6741

DAYTON Hwy 50 & 2nd Ave Community Roots Nursery June-September Wendy Thursdays 4-7pm (775)250-7884

ELKO 149 1/2 River Street May – October Brenda Saturdays 8am-3pm (775) 777-8913

ELY 400 Ely Street Aug-Oct Phil Saturdays 10am-4pm (775) 289-8364

EUREKA Gold Street July-Sep Lynn Thursdays 4-7pm (775) 237-5326

FALLON Williams Ave & downtownMaine St June – August Don Hardy Tuesdays 5:30-9:30 pm (775) 867-3430

FERNLEY In Town Park Center St & Highway 95A June - August CJ Gueldner Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 846-0494

GARDNERVILLE Lampe Park May-Sep Jana Wednesdays 8am-1pm (775) 782-9828

HAWTHORNE Downtown Hawthorne June-October Roberta Fridays 5pm - 7pm (775) 945-3954

HENDERSON 241 Water St (in front of City Hall) Year round Dave Thursdays 9am-4pm (702) 579-9661

LAS VEGAS Gardens Park in Summerlin 10401 Garden Park Drive 4-8pm summer Steve Tuesdays 2-6pm winter

MINDEN Esmeralda Avenue downtown May-Sep Roxanne Tuesdays 4-8pm (775) 782-2444

NORTH LAS VEGAS City Hall campus 2200 Civic Center Drive Year round Sheri Thursdays 10am-2pm (702) 858-0333

RENO Somersett Town Square 7650 Town Square Way June–Aug Erin Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 323-1405

SPARKS United Methodist Church 1231 Pyramid Way June-Sep Everett (775) 358-0925

TONOPAH Hwy 95 Main Street at Pocket Park July -Oct Mary (775) 482-3118

WINNEMUCCA Next to the Community Garden July-Sep Ed (775) 623-8413

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Membership Info

Join NOFFA online!Membership Benefits: NOFFA members enjoy great benefits beyond the satisfaction of know-ing that they are supporting a worthy cause. Here are some of the perks associated with NOFFA membership:

Membership Levels$150 - Business

$75 - Non-Profit Organization

$50 - Family

$35 - Individual

$20 - Elder (65+)

$20 - Student

• Every three months, members receive an issue of NOFFA’s award-winning news-paper, The Nevada Organic Alliancer, which is chock-full of farming and gar-dening news and information; opinion pieces; book reviews; directories of local, organic food producers; analysis of public policy initiatives; recipes; events listings; volunteer opportunities and stories; and classified advertisements.

• NOFFA’s Agricultural Services Program also provides free farming, gardening and marketing advice over the phone, via email correspondence, and through on-farm visits.

• Members receive regular updates about educational programs, conferences, workshops and social events at NOFFA’s Education Center in Boulder City and around the State.

• Internet action alerts regularly apprise members of NOF-FA’s public policy initiatives.

• Members also can participate in local NOFFA chapter activities around the state.

Page 11Visit www.noffa.org for more information

Donation InfoNOFFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that welcomes your financial support. NOFFA relies on the generous support of its members and other friends. The support comes in many forms. We greatly appreciate all of them. Please consider joining the many thousands of people who have given so much to make NOFFA the dynamic organization that it is. Thank you.

Donations to NOFFA are tax-deductible.

VolunteersNOFFA is essentially a volunteer-driven organization, relying on the support of more than 500 volunteers each year. The collective impact of NOFFA’s volunteer community is awesome – in the true sense of the word. There are many opportunities for people to get involved in informal or very substantive ways. Some volunteers take on enormous responsibilities, and set the programming and policy agendas for the Association. Others take great satisfaction in occasionally helping stuff envelopes in the office or pull weeds from the perennial beds. We greatly appreciate all forms of volunteer support. Without the diverse expertise and unfailing dedication of its volunteers, NOFFA wouldn’t exist.

Nevada Organic Food and Farm Alliance 2245 Rural Ave. Boulder City, Nevada, 89005

(702) 555-6789 www.noffa.org