3. Page 3Visit www.noffa.org for more information
Mission Statement
The 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
4. Page 4 NOFFA
Organic Info
Nutritional value declines as time passes
after harvest. Because locally-grown food
is fresh, it is more nutritionaly complete.
Locally-grownfruitsandvegetablesareusually
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.
5. Page 5Visit www.noffa.org for more information
Why Organic Food Is Better Food
Many 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.
6. Page 6 NOFFA
Frequently Asked Questions
What 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
7. Page 7Visit www.noffa.org for more information
Events
July 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, johns@nevada.edu
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, markj@nevada.edu
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.
8. Page 8 NOFFA
ALAMO LDS Church Park
CALIENTE 360 Lincoln St
CARSON CITY 3rd & Curry St
DAYTON Hwy 50 & 2nd Ave Community Roots Nursery
ELKO 149 1/2 River Street
ELY 400 Ely Street
EUREKA Gold Street
FALLON Williams Ave & downtownMaine St
FERNLEY In Town Park Center St & Highway 95A
GARDNERVILLE Lampe Park
HAWTHORNE Downtown Hawthorne
HENDERSON 241 Water St (in front of City Hall)
LAS VEGAS Gardens Park in Summerlin 10401 Garden Park Drive
MINDEN Esmeralda Avenue downtown
NORTH LAS VEGAS City Hall campus 2200 Civic Center Drive
RENO Somersett Town Square 7650 Town Square Way
SPARKS United Methodist Church 1231 Pyramid Way
TONOPAH Hwy 95 Main Street at Pocket Park
WINNEMUCCA Next to the Community Garden
Nevada Farmers Markets
9. Page 9Visit www.noffa.org for more information
July-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109
June-September Holly Fridays 5:30-7pm (775) 726-3109
June-October Linda Saturdays 9am-1pm (775) 882-6741
June-September Wendy Thursdays 4-7pm (775)250-7884
May – October Brenda Saturdays 8am-3pm (775) 777-8913
Aug-Oct Phil Saturdays 10am-4pm (775) 289-8364
July-Sep Lynn Thursdays 4-7pm (775) 237-5326
June – August Don Hardy Tuesdays 5:30-9:30 pm (775) 867-3430
June - August CJ Gueldner Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 846-0494
May-Sep Jana Wednesdays 8am-1pm (775) 782-9828
June-October Roberta Fridays 5pm - 7pm (775) 945-3954
Year round Dave Thursdays 9am-4pm (702) 579-9661
4-8pm summer Steve Tuesdays 2-6pm winter
May-Sep Roxanne Tuesdays 4-8pm (775) 782-2444
Year round Sheri Thursdays 10am-2pm (702) 858-0333
June–Aug Erin Wednesdays 4-8pm (775) 323-1405
June-Sep Everett (775) 358-0925
July -Oct Mary (775) 482-3118
July-Sep Ed (775) 623-8413
10. Page 10 NOFFA
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.
11. Page 11Visit www.noffa.org for more information
Donation Info
NOFFA 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.
Volunteers
NOFFA 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.
12. Nevada Organic Food and Farm Alliance
2245 Rural Ave.
Boulder City, Nevada, 89005
(702) 555-6789
www.noffa.org
