WNC Crop Institute offers August workshop

Local lavender growers can increase sales and boost farm profits by developing the plant into value-added products with more consumer appeal.

The Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a Value-added Lavender Workshop on Aug. 19, 9 a.m-4:30 p.m., at the Carson City campus. It will include a lavender farm tour. Cost is $35 for those registering by Aug. 12, $45 afterward. Lunch is included. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

The workshop will begin at Campie’s Lavender Patch in Stagecoach where owner Mike van Camp will demonstrate the distillation process for lavender essential oil and hydrosol. Following the farm tour, a classroom lecture at the WNC Carson City campus will focus on the benefits of developing value-added products and identifying the best varieties to grow.

Featured speakers include farmers van Camp and Elizabeth Inman of Purple Adobe Lavender Farm in New Mexico. Inman has grown lavender commercially for almost a decade. Her three-acre farm offers farm tours, educational programs and a retail gift shop. Inman has created a successful line of bath and body products that are sold by regional retailers, online, at farmers markets, and at the farm.

Mike van Camp and his wife Diane have grown lavender commercially for more than nine years. Their farm produces more than 30 varieties, focusing on propagation and development of those favorable to Nevada’s climate. They also sell several value-added products.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods for local growers. Funding for this project was provided by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and USDA/AMS through the Specialty Crop Block Grant.

WNC Specialty Crop Institute is also presenting an Agritourism in Northern Nevada workshop on Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Yerington at the Jeanne Dini Cultural Center, 120 N. California St.

Registration is $20 early bird, $25 after Aug. 7 and includes lunch. Registration is required and there is limited enrollment.

From pumpkin patches to festivals and weddings, agritourism can grow farm revenues and local economies. This workshop will highlight the potential and possibilities for agritourism in Northern Nevada. Speakers Jane Eckert and Chuck Nozicka will show how farms across North

America are reaping the benefits. They will offer insight on how farms and local businesses can collaborate to make Northern Nevada farms a destination.

What you will learn:

Why agritourism is a growing industry

How to get started

How to evaluate and develop the best options for your farm

What family skills and support are needed to be successful

How to develop community partnerships to maximize benefits

Featured speakers:

Jane Eckert, Eckert AgriMarketing, is the founder and CEO of Eckert AgriMarketing, a full-service marketing, consulting and website design firm that offers services to both the agriculture and tourism industries. She is a sixth generation farmer’s daughter.

Chuck Nozicka, is a private consultant with 28 years experience in recreation, tourism planning and community development. He has managed a wide range of projects for clients across the western United States including the Mason and Smith Valleys of Nevada.

For information or registration on the workshops, call Ann Louhela at 775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or email ann.louhela@wnc.edu.