Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Farmers in desert regions have an opportunity to produce local food but knowledge gaps existed as a barrier. A progressive line of education programs were established to support the production of healthy local foods in Lincoln County, Nevada. These programs included starting a 4-H vegetable garden and market, extended season production on-farm demonstrations, and classes with the goal of showing that quality produce could be grown. Market profiles were developed through surveys of farmers’ market consumers and chefs. Quality testing of local produce was done by chefs in Las Vegas. Mentor farmers and enterprise analysts provided assistance to improve production, marketing, and financials. Education to locals on healthy eating improved their understanding of the health benefits and preparation techniques for using the local produce. A program on value-adding used substandard produce to create more local foods. As a result, a local food industry is started with producers growing in over 40 high tunnels to sell local fresh produce to residents at a farmers market, local restaurants, and chefs in Las Vegas. Challenges still exist with inconsistent markets and distribution networks to urban markets.