The ongoing pandemic is putting stress on different parts of the nation’s food system, and different parts of the country are engaging the challenge in new ways. The Nevada Department of Agriculture is seeking partners to address agriculture product inventory and distribution needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, NDA is seeking project applications from community organizations, businesses and individuals to support projects designed to increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and other agricultural products grown or raised in the state.

According to a department release, the proposals should also benefit Nevada agricultural producers, allow for inventory data to be uploaded and updated, and facilitate aggregation and distribution options for products, including delivery options.

The CARES Act provides funding for states to address various impacts of the pandemic. For the Nevada program, $750,000 has been set aside to support inventory and distribution solutions for the state’s agriculture products.

Notes Ashley Jeppson, NDA plant industry division administrator: “In response to the COVID-19 impacts to local food access, Nevada needs inventory and distribution concepts that fit these evolving circumstances. Our goal will not only provide easier access for Nevadans to buy locally produced food, but also support the economic challenges our agricultural industry is experiencing.”

Time is running out to apply for the grants. In fact, applications are due Friday (July 31).

Applications must be submitted to the NDA by email by 5 p.m. July 31. Full application requirements, including a scoring rubric and federal Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance can be found online.

Source: Nevada Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.