Crop institute presents lavender workshop

Low maintenance, drought tolerant lavender provides Nevada’s small farms with many options for producing value-added products and year-round sales.

Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a daylong workshop “Lavender, Producing Value-added Commercial Products” on Friday, June 19, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Jeanne Dini Center, 120 N. California St., in Yerington. Cost is $30 for those registering by June 12, $40 afterward. Lunch is included, and seating is limited. Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/.

The workshop explores what is required for value-added products including time, equipment and financial resources. Participants will learn the best varieties to grow, where to source ingredients, equipment and supplies, labeling requirements and more. The workshop includes product-making demonstrations and a tour of a new lavender demonstration plot in Yerington. Farmer and local lavender expert Mike van Camp of Campie’s Lavender Patch will explain planting techniques and water-saving drip irrigation methods during the tour.

Featured speakers Christa and Marco Xavier Hermosillo are the owners of Olympic Lavender Heritage Farm in Sequim, Washington, also known as the Lavender Capital of North America. Their certified organic farm is home to an active agritourism operation where they are manufacturing value-added products and building their wholesale distributorship. The owners have contemporized their products and operation to meet the needs of diverse generations of lavender enthusiasts.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Information/registration: Ann Louhela - 775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu