Position Description:

The Farm and Food Security Assistant will serve as a core member of the 2024 farm team, and will assist with coordination of the Farm to Food Pantry program at DFI. The position does not require previous food systems, nutrition or farming experience, although it is preferred. Ongoing training will be provided during this AmeriCorps term, and the successful candidate must have a desire to learn about sustainable food production and solutions to food insecurity. The position will report to the DFI Director, and collaborate directly with DFI’s Farm Production Manager and Food Security Project Coordinator. The position involves physically demanding tasks on the farm, interaction with a diversity of groups and populations, and working independently as well as within a dynamic team.

Service Location: DFI at the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station, 920 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512. Periodic daytime travel may be required within the metro area and region.

The Desert Farming Initiative (DFI) is an applied agriculture program demonstrating year-round organic fruit and vegetable production for arid climates. DFI is a part of the University of Nevada, Reno’s Experiment Station, the research unit of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. Located at the College’s Valley Road Field Lab, DFI partners with academic and Extension faculty to provide practical education and research opportunities for students, faculty and community partners. DFI produces tons of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the regional food system each year. Thirty to fourty varieties of produce are grown annually and all crops are certified organic by CCOF. The majority of the produce is directed to food insecure populations as part of our Farm to Food Pantry Program, with the remaining amount going to other wholesale and retail markets. Proceeds are used to support ongoing DFI educational and community programming. Read more at http://naes.unr.edu/dfi

DFI’s mission is to advance climate-smart farming and food sovereignty in the Great Basin by:

● Demonstrating sustainable vegetable and fruit farming practices, while bolstering the regional food system.

● Providing practical on-farm learning experiences for University students and developing resources for other growers.

● Actively engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders to improve food security and prepare for farming in a changing climate.

● Conducting research in collaboration with faculty and community and industry partners to improve agricultural practices for desert climates.