Nevada received $120,000 in Specialty Crop Assistance, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture has issued a Request for Proposals for innovative and sustainable projects. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2002 and awards will be announced on February 28, 2002. It is intended that these funds assist producers in the development of alternative crops and enhance marketing opportunities for the future of Nevada agriculture.

The initial USDA grant of $500,000 that was allocated to each state will be used to promote Nevada agriculture in the following areas: Native Seed Program and Assistance; Support for the Nevada Organic Council and the Ag Council; Public Education; Invasive Species Awareness; Timothy Hay Integrated Pest Management; Department Exhibit Display for Crop Production and Marketing; Electronic Communication Enhancement; Livestock Marketing and Improving the Value of Products; Conservation Districts and Grazing Boards Projects; Watershed Management Demonstration Project; Weed Eradication and Cooperative Control Program; Coordination and Promotion of Subscriptive Farming, Farmer to Chef Connections and Farmers Markets; Exhibit Display for the American FArm Bureau Conventinon; Weed Free Hay Program; and a contract Marketing Position for delivery of grant funding and promotion of Nevada agriculture.