We will be working on this page over the next few days and weeks. There are 3 areas that we want to address concerning our food choices. We will need your support!
1- Adopt laws, as many other states have done, allowing a limited production, processing and sale of rabbit and poultry by small farmers on farm without the need for USDA certification. Sales will be done on the farm to restaurants, and at Farmer's Markets. Farmers will have to meet certain standards as overseen by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. (I can't tell you how many phone calls we get of people wanting to buy pastured poultry from us. Since the movie Food, Inc and the book Omnivore's Dilemma as well as other publications there is a new awareness and outcry for pasture based wholesome meets fresh from the farm.)
2- Form a Certified Dairy Board as allowed by state law to certify small farms for the production and sale of raw milk, cheese and other dairy products. This board will consist of one veterinarian, one physician, and one member of the community as stated by Nevada law. A committee will be formed to determine safe and reasonable guidelines for farmers to follow. The dairy products will be labeled accordingly allowing full disclosure to the consumer to have the choice to consume unpasturized dairy products. (The sale of raw milk was allowed in Nevada just 15 years ago. No one was ever sick from the consumption of raw milk or dairy products.)
3- Adopt laws similar to the "pickle bill", as many states have fondly nicknamed it, allowing the production and sale of low and minimal risk canned preserves such as pickles, jams, jellies, salsas and high acid fruits, as well as baked goods such as breads and cookies to be sold to the public. The homemade goods will list ingredients and will be labeled as coming from an uncertified kitchen, thus allowing the consumer full disclosure and personal choice. The producers will be limited on amount of sale of each item per year until he/she will be required to obtain a certified facility. This law will allow a venue for small and growing producers to a viable income. Something we desperately need in this economy!
Many states are adopting these laws with wonderful support from their citizens. Of course there is much opposition from large producers of these items as well as food distributors. There will be a battle ahead! For those of you who would like to be kept informed on how we are moving ahead on these 3 items or have means to help, please email us your contact information and any comments you would like to add. There is strength in numbers!