Recently the Nevada Department of Agriculture closed the program that certifies organic produce for our state, leaving questions as to where and how farmers and others would get that certification. Now a local, non-profit organization has received accreditation to take over the process.
Knowing where their food comes from and how it is raised is important to the Andelins. Just off Pyramid Highway in Spanish Springs is the Andelin family farm, where chickens, goats and pigs are given plenty of love and attention.
The Andelin family farm uses both organic and traditional methods and they're dedicated to sustainable farming.
"We think that the organic, natural movement is a good thing to bring awareness, but we also recognize that there is a lot of good and that because one thing is maybe better, doesn't mean that other things are horrible,” says Cameron Andelin.
For local farmers who do want to get certified organic, the process will be easier and more affordable.
Non-profit Basin and Range Organics will now be the go-to organization for any producers who would like to get the official seal.
And organic- everything just continues to grow in popularity
"It is economically viable, some 30-something percent growth in organics,” says Steve Litsinger, Basin and Range Organics.
Program administrator Ben Rush says Basin and Range Organics certification process will be simpler than how the Department of Agriculture used to run things.
The group will also be very hands-on with farmers and other organic producers
"Taking that personal approach to individuals and talking to them about why this is a beneficial thing and how this can be an easy, efficient thing for our regional, individually is a huge goal for us.”
The members of Basin and Range Organics - almost all of whom are volunteers - are dedicated to the healthy production of food.
"We're not just talking about a stamp of approval and fees and paperwork, but we're talking about stewarding the land and bio-diversity and conservation practices that are part of organic systems.”
