New Nevada Organics Organization Formed to Provide Certification and Support

In a unanimous vote by participants in the first organizational meeting of organic growers and organics industry leaders in Nevada, a new not-for-profit, Basin and Range Organics (BARO), was birthed.

Reno, NV, USA – July 18, 2015 /PressCable/ —

For Immediate Release

In a unanimous vote by participants in the first organizational meeting of organic growers and organics industry leaders in Nevada, a new not-for-profit, Basin and Range Organics (BARO), was birthed to fill the void left by the closure of the organic certification program formerly provided by the State of Nevada Department of Agriculture. The Nevada Board of Agriculture decided to drop the organic certification program because of inadequate funding.

Participants from across the state gathered in Reno, in person or by conference call, to give their input and offer their support to create a new Nevada-based organization. Goals for the new organization include hiring a small staff, including a USDA approved certifier based in Nevada, providing and expanding USDA Organic Certifications, as well as training and supporting new organic farmers who are emerging, not only in Nevada but also in surrounding states touching Nevada. Participants also agreed that part of the mission will be to inform and educate the general public about the advantages and availability of organics close to them.

Initially,the group will operate financially under Healthy Communities Coalition, a 501(c)3 located in Dayton, Nevada, and headed by Christie McGill, the Executive Director and Founder.

The group voted for an Advisory Council that includes: Clint Koble, Chair; Marcia Litsinger, Vice Chair; Steve Litsinger, Treasurer, Pat Lynch, Secretary;Garrett Gatewood, Technical Advisor; and Rob Holley, Livestock Advisor. Their terms will last until a permanent Board of Directors can be established.

Immediate goals for BARO include completion of a funding grant, compiling a comprehensive distribution list, establishing a membership and donation structure, and a landing page with information for organic producers, handlers, and supporters.

The next meeting will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 from 10:00am until noon at 1365 Corporate Blvd., Reno, NV 89502. For those across the state that want to attend via video conference, please go to the following Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Office in Las Vegas, Yerington, Fallon, or Minden. Staff will direct you from there. For those that want to attend via teleconference, call Clint Koble at (775) 857-8500 x 128 for the call in information.

For additional information email: Pat@DedicatedToYou.com

For more information about us, please visit http://www.usda.gov/

Contact Info:
Name: Clint Koble
Organization: Farm Service Agency
Address: 1365 Corporate Blvd, Ste 200, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 775-857-8500

Release ID: 87079